2021 Chianti Classico

A youthful ruby/magenta, the 2021 Chianti Classico is pure, ripe, and inviting with aromas of cherry liqueur, candied roses, and fresh sweet Mediterranean herbs. This wine has wonderful transparency and clarity, with refreshing acidity, snappy lift, and ripe, fine tannins, as well as a stony underpinning and a lovely fresh lift of tomato leaf on the finish. A refreshing and lovely wine, it has much to offer if drinking over the next 6-8 years. The Stucchi Prinetti family has helmed this Monti del Chianti-based estate since 1846, with the sixth generation being led by Emanuela, Paolo, and Roberto Stucchi Prinetti. Their Montebello embraces the indigenous ancient varietals of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, MalvasiaNera, Canaiolo, and FogliaTonda. I was able to taste the wines for this report with Roberto Stucchi Prinetti in New York as well as at the offices of the Consorzio.

This is an organic blend of Tuscan native grapes with 90% Sangiovese and tiny percentages of Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. Representing a big production of 147,000 bottles, the 2021 Chianti Classico is accessible and easy-drinking with mild cherry and dried raspberry followed by almond, blue flower and peat moss. Winemaking is very simple, starting off with spontaneous yeast fermentation and brief aging in large oak casks. You get great value, especially in this classic vintage.

The 2021 Chianti Classico is terrific. Bright and vibrant, with tons of Sangiovese character, the 2021 is everything Chianti Classico should be. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and tobacco are all nicely amplified in this juicy, wonderfully inviting Chianti Classico. The 2021 is one of the best edition of this wine I have tasted recently.