- 2011 Canonica a Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (11/10/2024)
Rich, with dark fruit, menthol and earthy notes. For a warm year, there is a decent amount of acidity here. This went very well with a papardelle and bolognese sauce. I could sense there were some international grapes in this (turned out to be Merlot), which to me should prevent them from calling it Chianti Classico, but the wine is tasty nonetheless.
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- 2016 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (11/14/2024)
This is an excellent Chianti. There is depth, structure, and complexity. Fantastic food wine.
Great vintage of this reliable wine.
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Totally agree Jeff. Iāve been holding off, finishing up the '15s first. The '17 was also surprisingly promising. I should really grab some '19 and '20 but havenāt yet.
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Im hanging onto my remaining 16s, will start drinking in 2026
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When it comes down to it, I prefer Nebbiolo/Piedmont but if I were buying wine today I think I would allocate more to Sangiovese/Tuscany. Tuscany feels overlooked by non geeks still thinking itās jug wine in wicker baskets or geeks thinking the whole region went to blowsy and pricey Super Tuscans. Still a lot of Chianti made in a nice style that will age for years, and drink well along the way, coming in under $30.
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Yeah, I still have more Nebbiolo in the cellar from vintages purchased years ago, but in terms of our current consumption I drink a lot more Chianti.
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On a couple of drizzly days, Iāve been sipping a 2018 Rocca di Montegrossi [Chianti Classico] which paired well with the weather, and a beef/tomato/white wine/leeks ragu over rigatoni. My bottle is from North Berkeley Imports (NBI) and, as is their wont with their selections, oaked up with Allier barrels. That being said, it doesnāt stick out to me. Their website notes that itās mostly sangiovese, but with a little bit of canaiolo/colorino thrown in. Tannin is low, acid is medium, abv clocks in at 14%, and the fruit is on the classic cherry side. Very little RS and made with organic grapes. My casual perception of the 2018 vintage - from reading not tasting - was that it was a lighter/restaurant/ādrink nowā one and this CC fits that characterization, but it was more enjoyable than I expected. Iād give this a B+, and although not something Iād rush to repurchase, would have no problems drinking again if presented with the option.
Although heavy, I love enameled cast iron as it is perfect for acidic braises/sauces/stews. Of course it has to be handwashed.
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That ragu looks good! Iām hoping to braise a venison shoulder in a similar pot this Sunday.
PSA - Saratoga Wine Exchange currently has some nice '21s, including all the Istine crus, at good prices, many with free shipping on a mixed case.
She is great - touching on that hip modern acid-driven style while still really respecting tradition and making precise wines without natty lazinessā¦
Two delicious Chianti from last night.
- 2018 Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (5/10/2025)
This had a hair more concentration than the Carleone. It has a silkier texture than I recall, too. Both of these wines have an elegance that I love. This is really good Chianti.
- 2018 Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG (5/10/2025)
Similar to the Castellāin Villa, but with what I thought was a very slight herbal edge, and just a hair less concentration. This too has shows an elegant character and is very good. Eric, Ann and I all thought the Castellāin Villa slightly edged this out. This is very good, though.
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love them. Had a nice visit there and they have a huge library of old vintages at good prices. And they ship.
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Good to know, Alan. Thanks. It is creeping up on 20 years since we have been to the region. We are way overdue to go back and this would definitely be a producer I would want to visit.
John Fodera, who does a lot of blogging from the Tuscan region recently visited here.
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I have been lucky enough to purchase over a dozen of these for $30 cdn. They have all been drank and another 6 are on the way.
A tip of the hat to Mr Fodera. The wine definitely improves after 90 minutes of decanter time. His note is perfectly aligned with my experiences.
I notice I have only made two CT notes on this wine. Shame on me.
Castellāin Villa is great, but - at least for me - not easy to find. Last few bottles I secured had to be mail ordered, and I almost never do that anymore.
I am surprised no one has mentioned Monte Bernardi that make traditional (or is it post modern?) Chianti Classico in Panzano. Fantastic QPR. Their āRetromarciaā (translates to āreverse gearā) is very nicely balanced and somewhat complex and is their big hit. Then they make the juicy āSangiĆ³ā CC and a few more that I havenāt tried yet, including a couple of riserva and an old vine bottling āMB1933ā.
I just realised MB have a webshop! That cost me 400ā¬ 
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