2011 Chianti Classico Riserva

In spite of the expansion of the Chianti zone in the 1960s and subsequent mass production of this storied wine, well-made Chianti remains unrivaled in Italy for its strong character and ability to do wonders at table. In the heart of the original, Classico zone lies Villa di Geggiano, a marvelous estate that has been in the Bandinelli family for centuries. Brothers Andrea and Alessandro run the show today, crafting small quantities of ultra-artisanal, traditional Chianti in addition to keeping up the splendid villa, a treasure trove of eighteenth-century art and furniture akin to a portal back in time. We advise you to visit. The brothers farm organically and age their Riserva thirty months in oak casks, giving a deep, powerful, chewy expression of Sangiovese with rich flavors of black fruit, herbs, and leather. The dusty, grippy tannins are the perfect foil to game and hearty pasta dishes; alternatively, this thick, potent red will have no problem aging for many more years —Anthony Lynch

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Vintage 2011
• Bottle Size 750mL
• Blend 97% Sangiovese 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation Chianti Classico Riserva
• Country Italy
• Region Tuscany
• Vineyard 25 years, 10.6 ha total
• Soil Clay and Limestone and Silt with Galestro rocks
• Winemaker Andrea & Alessandro Boscu Bianchi Bandinelli
• Aging Ages 20 months in French oak tonneaux (500-L, 90%) and barriques (225-L, 10%) (15% new); 10 months in 12-hl and 20-hl French oak botti
• Farming Organic
• Alcohol 14.5%