2019 Chianti Classico Riserva

Greve. 100% Sangovese. Certified organic. Deep, lustrous ruby. Captivating, deep sour-cherry and raspberry nose that is still quite youthful. Beautiful intensity of fruit and with a whisper of oak. Suave, tangy, deep raspberry fruit with gorgeous, chewy tannins that stick to the fruit. In for the long haul. Stunning balance between gripping, ripe tannins and deep, tangy fruit. (WS)

Readers looking for a serious, yet polished style will love the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva. Dark layers of menthol, licorice, black cherry, and incense intertwine and unfold in the glass. Full and generous with red and black fruit, it has a remarkable weightlessness while simultaneously delivering beautiful concentration. With ripe tannins, notes of blood orange zest, red plum, and salty earth, and a refreshing snap of acidity on the finish, it is approachable in its youth and will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years. This is an outstanding wine to snap up. Translating to “beautiful oak,” Querciabella has 72 hectares of vines in Greve, Radda, and Gaiole. They are certified organic and practice vegan viticulture and winemaking.

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a terrific wine made from vineyards in Greve, Radda and Gaiole. Dark and powerful in the glass, the 2019 offers up dark-toned fruit, spice, leather, savory herbs, tobacco and earthy notes. I would give it a few years to soften.