Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend

First time trying this popular Chianti Classico of which some 180,000 bottles are produced each year, and which retails for around £20-25. I must say, this is a very decent, polished, harmonious wine, although I found it lacking in either regional or varietal typicity and was surprised to find that it’s composed of 100% Sangiovese without any Cabernet in the blend. To me, it smelled and tasted closer to left bank Bordeaux than it did to any region of Tuscany - I don’t know if the winery’s use of French barrels contributes to this.

As I say, not a bad wine, but I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone seeking an expression of the region, or grape.

First impressions - a bit oaky. It’s a pity when some Tuscan producers prefer to use French Barriques instead of traditional large Slovenian Bottis, as is tradition and let the grapes do the talking. Mid Ruby in colour - dried earthy cherries. You can taste the extra sunshine in this vintage. Medium plus tannins to finish off. A killer of a food wine - went well with pasta. A little astringent after a few hours. Had another bottle on 16th November. Just a handy quaffer.

Well-made, but over ripe. Sweet? 

A good sangio!!
Perhaps i would have been better 2 or 3 years ago, but it still had it all
Fruit, earthy and leather

Freshness is there, it just needed some more body from the start, but it's smooth
Still very easy drinking and decently long

I really want to like this producer, as they have modified Biodynamics to make it totally vegan. Sadly, I have just been underwhelmed by the balance in their wines, and this one is no different. Way too much oak tannins in this wine which simply cannot integrate it. I wish they’d back that down, so I could actually taste the terroir of their wines.

Querciabella, in Italian, means “beautiful oak” and surrounds their vineyards. Founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, now managed and owned by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglionii. Sangiovese from biodynamically grown grapes, Ruby, lovely nose of fruit, floral and spice. On the palate cherry and bkackberry flavors with earthy herb notes and spicy cacao. Fine tannins, good balance, medium+ finish ending with earthy character. Nice value.

Rough fruit and structured tannins. Medium full. Dark. Went awesome with homemade pasta night. That’s me on the label.

Founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, and now managed and owned by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglionii. Sangiovese from biodynamically grown grapes, lovely nose of fruit, floral and spice. On the palate cherry and plum flavors with earthy herb notes, touch of spicy cacao. Fine tannins, good balance, medium finish ending with earthy character. Nice value.

Founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni, and now managed and owned by Sebastiano Cossia Castiglionii. Ruby with aromas of fresh berry fruits and slight spicy notes. On the palate Cherry and Cranberry flavors, some cacao, well balanced with acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long ending with earthy minerality. Good now and can age for a few years. Tasting Sample.

Generously fruited wine with red cherry and strawberry to the fire, before showing subtleties of dark fruits, rose petal, dried orange peel, fennel seed and almond paste. Suggestions of leather and black tea in the mix also. Rounded mouthfeel, with a touchback of creaminess showing through with pixelated like tannins but by no means defining the wine. Good, but would be good to see with a touch more age; more to come here I think.