CHIANTI CLASSICO COLLECTION 2023
The Chianti Classico Collection came together again this year for their flagship event “Anteprime Toscana”. The Collection plays an important role in spreading awareness and improving the transparency of one of Italy’s most charming and multifaceted wine territories. The “collection” took place once again in the beautiful Leopolda station in Florence. It was the 30th edition hosting a record number of producers (206 Black Rooster estates) who presented the latest vintages of their Chianti Classico, Riserva and Gran Selezione wines to both the press and industry professionals. A total of 750 wines were presented between Chianti Classico Annata, Riserva, Gran Selezione and barrel samples from the 2022 vintage. The event was opened to the public on Valentine’s Day offering an immersive tasting experience of wines, olives, cheeses, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. A dedicated tasting area was set up for the Olive Oil DOP Chianti Classico where 30 different oils were showcased.The Chianti Classico territory is quite complex, and a series of seminars were presented by Alessandro Masnaghetti, better known as “The “Mapman” for his significant contribution to mapping the vineyards of the world’s most significant wine producing areas, and author of the recently published Chianti Classico. Atlas of its vineyards and Additional Geographical Units.
Chianti Classico is constant innovation.
These Geographical Units mark a step towards a deeper knowledge and a greater appreciation of the peculiarities of Chianti Classico. The goal is to highlight the specific microclimatic characteristics with an even greater focus on the underlying differences that exist within these areas. The 11 UGA (San Casciano, Greve, Montefioralle, Lamole, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Vagliagli, Castellina, San Donato in Poggio) are today labelled singularly with the name of the specific village of origin. Showing the name of the municipality or village on the label will spark both curiosity and recognition from the increasingly high numbers of consumers who would like to improve. their understanding of the micro territories of Black Rooster wines.
A region that is eager to develop further with a great vision of hospitality.
This region has been one of the most popular destinations for wine enthusiasts for centuries. Perched on a plateau at altitudes between 200 and 800 metres, it is mainly covered with forests of oak, chestnut, pine and cypress trees. Now held in the arms of its two historic capitals, Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico was a place loved first by the Etruscans, then by the Romans, and was a battlefield of bitter disputes in the Middle Ages. The territory still preserves evidence of many past cultures. The earliest documentation of the existence of a wine-producing district dates back to the 13th century with the The “Lega del Chianti”, formalized between Radda, Gaiole and Castellina and branded with the famous Black Rooster which, after many glorious years, became the Official symbol of Chianti Classico wine in 2005. The rooster symbolizes the spirit of the Territory; strong and elegant, lively, and proud. Its crowing marking a new day. With a high density of wineries, the region is a true oenological paradise full of castles and ancient abbeys where fine wines are matured, world-famous wineries alongside small and no less prestigious family-run estates, traditional cellars and architectural masterpieces. A setting in which hospitality and its experiences take on various forms with a multitude of activities. These producers understand the importance of hospitality which brings great economic value, diversifying income, creating effective means of communicating values and enhancing distribution of their wines. From curious wine enthusiasts to collectors, guests are drawn to the famous winemaking names of Chianti, but also discover hidden gems of the highest quality. From private wine clubs and sommelier associations to restaurateurs, wine tourism in the Chianti Classico region embraces an increasingly varied public. Consequently, wineries work together with the tourism sector as to create personalized and authentic wine and culinary trips.
As always it was a true pleasure to once again meet so many passionate producers who exemplify the culture and philosophy of Chianti Classico.
My tasting at the C.C.C 2023
I have reviewed almost 250 wines of different vintages. The Chianti Classico 2021 Annata showed beautiful youthful color, ripe fruit with great aromatic intensity. A good level of natural acidity guarantees good freshness. A lot of wines I tasted were graceful and harmonious. The Chianti Classico 2020 Riserva, in general, turned out to be soft, fruity with good structure and firm tannins. I found a wide range of charming wines, showing full body and elegance in the Gran Selezione 2019.
on my radar : Chianti Classico Docg Annata 2021
Winery: Istine
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Ruby core with rims. Intense bouquet of cherry with balsamic overtones and slight scent of black pepper. Lovely entrance, round with ripe fruit, medium body. Firm, velvety tannins with a long finish
Winery: Monte Bernardi
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021 Retromarcia
Clean with a deep ruby core. Lovely aromas of ripe plum with a touch of vanilla. Black cherry in the palate with a light toasty scent. Full body with round, sweet tannins. Fresh and harmonious finish. I liked it!
Winery: Monteraponi
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Ruby red with a paler tinge. It displays intense flavour of dark cherry with light earthy overtones. Juicy and vibrant with a medium-bodied palate, firm tannins with light smoky hint at the end. I have really appreciated this wine.
Winery: Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Brilliant red ruby colour. Distinctly rose floral nose mixed with hints of dark cherry and fresh coffee. Full-bodied with pleasant red notes developing on the palate. Medium tannic structure. Light toasty finish. Charming wine.
Winery: Castellare di Castellina
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Medium ruby-red. Intense flavour of red plum and notes of violet. Medium acidity with discreet alcohol level. Fruity and spicy. Quite a long aftertaste. I like it
Winery: Le Miccine
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Pale ruby core with light purple hue towards the edge. The nose is fruity and dynamic with a hint of pepper. Well structured body with medium alcohol and soft tannins, a bit light at the end. Good wine.
Winery: Castello di Volpaia
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby core with violet hues.Intense flavour of black cherry and liquorice with overtones of lavender and new leather. Fragrant entrance with discrete alcohol and ripe fruit. Sweet, velvety tannins and quite long aftertaste. A harmonious, charming wine…
on my radar : Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020
Winery: Castagnoli
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020 Terrazze
Ruby red with a paler tinge. It displays intense flavour of blackcurrent with light earthy overtones. Juicy and vibrant with medium-bodied palate, velvety tannins with light smoky hint at the end. I have really appreciated this wine.
Winery: L’Erta di Radda
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020
Bright with a deep ruby core. Pronounced flavour of strawberry and wild berry with scents of new leather. Rich and powerful, good balance of body, fruit, acidity and firm tannins. Lovely wine.
Winery: Ricasoli – Brolio
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020
Ruby core with narrow rim. Lovely nose with red plum and notes of rhubarb and liquorice. Powerful structure with ripe red fruit, fresh with well integrated soft tannins. Long finish. Great wine.
Winery: Felsina
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020 Rancia
Ruby red with a paler tinge. It displays intense flavour of blackcurrent with light earthy overtones. Juicy and vibrant with medium-bodied palate, velvety tannins with light smoky hint at the end. I have really appreciated this wine.
Winery: Castello di Querceto
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Riserva 2020
Clear, deep red garnet colour. Intense flavour of cherry, blueberries and violet. Spicy with notes of liquorice and mint. The mouth is dense with medium soft tannins and toasty hints. Elegant wine with long and pleasant aftertaste Charming, fine wine. This is an excellent wine
on my radar : Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Winery: Castello di Ama
Wine: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 Montebuoni
Intense ruby red colour with paler reflections. It shows the classic nose of red plum and violet with a hint of fresh tobacco. The palate is rich and elegant. Full bodied with impressive freshness and velvety tannins . Outstanding wine, clear expression of pure Sangiovese with long life.
Winery: Il Barlettaio
Wine: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Medium ruby core, paler towards the edge. The wine displays intense flavour of wild berry with scents of new leather. Rich and powerful, good balance of body, fruit, acidity and firm tannins. Lovely wine with great potential.
Winery: I Fabbri
Wine: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Ruby core with violet hues. Pronounced intensity of ripe red fruit mixed with notes of chocolate, rhubarb and tobacco. Full body wine with good freshness. Present delicate tannins and quite long aftertaste. Fine, charming wine..
Winery: Pomona
Wine: Chianti Classico Docg Gran Selezione 2019
Intense ruby red with paler reflections. Complex nose with flavour of dark cherry, fig and liquorice. Fragrant, juicy palate with present acidity. Discrete alcohol level and soft tannins. Long finish. Delicious wine !
Winery: Querciabella
Wine: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Deep ruby colour, lighter on the edge. Pronounced bouquet of cherry with overtones of blackberry and chocolate. Fragrant entrance, round with ripe fruit. Firm, velvety tannins with long length. I like it !
