( Nearly done with this report/series, just the 2017 Chianti Classico to go, and I’m finished. Will reply to questions asap)
Each year the Consorzio puts on terrific event at the (former) Leopalda Train Station. This is a large building, lacking in any form of natural light, but making up for it by keeping the temperature inside relatively conducive to evaluating wine; that it’s in February doesn’t hurt, either.
This report has such a hodgepodge (e.g. 2017 Riserva and 2016 GS, etc.) of wines that just don’t fit into the other report, but if you dig deep, you’ll find some truly interesting offerings. I had fun with many of these wines.
"The wines at this tasting spanned several categories – not all producers release their wines at the same time. For instance, while some were showing the 2018 Chianti Classico wines, others won’t show those until next year, or later. 2016 Riserva, 2017 Gran Selezione, and lots of variations at this tasting. A rather comprehensive event.
I’ve written previously on how the event is organized, etc., so I’ll take this time to describe in detail the wines tasted, with my usual categories of:
very highly recommended, highly recommended, recommended, and not rated/just not interesting
Very Highly Recommended
sadly, none tasted on this day
Highly Recommended
2016 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo - Woodsy, herbal spice, ripe red fruits, lovely. Already offering a long finish, avg+ complexity, and a round, sweet tannin finish. However, I’m finding this a bit foursquare. Highly enjoyable for most, not something I gravitate toward. For the style, structure, it’s highly recommended. Drink now thru 2042.
2017 Maurizio Alongi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Barbischio - Elegant, subtle power, and cheeky length. Lovely, and right in my wheelhouse. I only wish I could find it more often. This won’t make old bones, but it’s ready now, and will likely even improve in the short term. One of my most favorite producers in this region, and in Italia. highly recommended
2017 Le Filigare Chianti Classico Riserva Maria Vittoria - Red floral, leather, Tuscan dust/scrub bush, etc. There’s serious depth here, and plenty of elegance, too; one of the best 2017 riserva tasted at this event. Very long; this caresses, it soothes. Brilliant, bravo! highly recommended+
2016 Le Filigare Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - Really nice, quite long already. Some complexity now, and shows the overall structure to develop more. Med/Full body, deep, and broad. A joy. highly recommended
2016 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia - Really herbal, floral - even some citrus. Well balanced, and I’m really loving the tension, structure, and finish. My favorite Colonia to date? Probably. Easily highly recommended, drink 2022-2044. Excellent.
2016 Casa Sola Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - Wow, totally in my wheelhouse. Superb tension/acidity, excellent balance, generous, elegant length. I’m in love with this. It’s med+ body, with complexity, and structure to spare. Bravo! Drink 2022-2043. highly recommended
2016 Casa Emma Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - Holy smokes this is delicious. Loads of acids, ripe red berries, some toast, raspberry, etc. Med/me finish that will no doubt improve with time. This is well-judged, and a great pleasure; super fine, sweet tannins. Almost meditative. highly recommended"
For those interested, the full report can be found 2016/2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Riserva, and more! – ItalianWine.blog