On the Road with the Grape Guy

Report from : Chianti Classico Riserva 2024 Anteprima

30 Sep 2024

Details: Category: On the Road with the Grape Guy

To be totally honest, the Riserva part of the Chianti Classico tasting is probably my least favourite. I kind of wish this segment of the category would morph into single vineyard, single plot or something else interesting without having to spend more time in oak – (does that extra year really create a better wine, or just a woodier one?). While changes are afoot in Chianti Classico to sub-divide the region; it would also be good to look at this regulation and drag this category into an era that does not see more oak as a better wine.

That said, there are some fine examples of the wine. I tasted 37, 26 made the cut – that said, I was also very selective about what I chose to taste; that’s what years of experience brings (knowledge).

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I applied my Good, Better, Best approach to the Chianti Lovers this year – and instead of separating the wines into their categories I put them in alphabetical order by way of producer. Also, any wine that received BEST or BETTER has a note why I believe it deserves that score.

The Wines

Antinori 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Marchesi Antinori" ... GOOD

Antinori 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Villa Antinori" ... GOOD

Badia a Coltibuono 2019 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva ... GOOD

Banfi 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
Juicy, drinkable, dark fruited and slightly spicy. The acidity is clean and bright. (BETTER)

Borgo Salcetino 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Lucarello" ... GOOD

Borgo Scopeto 2019 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Vigna Misciano" ... GOOD

Brancaia 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
It has some wood notes but there is some freshness of fruit to back it up. (BETTER)

Cafaggio 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
Spicy dark fruit with firm tannins and spice on the finish. (BETTER)

Caparsa 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Doccio a Matteo"
- Barrel Sample : rated on potential - ... GOOD

Castellare di Castellina 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Castellare" ... GOOD

Castello di Ama 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Montebuoni"
Dark fruit, mocha, black cherry, herbs and spices all play across the tongue - nice balance and structure. (BETTER)

Castello di Gabbiano 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva ... GOOD

Castello di Monterinaldi 2019 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva ... GOOD

Castello Vicchiomaggio 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Agostino Petri" ... GOOD

Dievole 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Novecento"
Plum and blackish fruit at its core, the wood hangs around but its a bit player - acidity balances. (BEST)

Famiglia Zingarelli 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Tenuta Le Macie Sergioveto" ... GOOD

Felsina 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Rancia"
- no notes written down - ... (BETTER)

Frescobaldi 2019 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Tenuta Perano" ... GOOD

La Lama 2017 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Terzo Movimento" ... GOOD

Poggio Borgoni 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Borromeo"
- Barrel Sample : rated on potential - ... (BETTER)

Querciabella 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
Juicy red fruit ... lovely acidity ... perky and playful. (BEST)

Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Brolio" ... GOOD

Rocca delle Macie 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva ... GOOD

Ruffino 2021 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva "Riserva Ducale"
Acidity pops right off the hop, nice spice, good fruit core. Has a few years ahead of it. (BETTER)