The annual ‘Chianti Classico Collection 2018’ event takes place in Florence in February, and I have attended for many years.
It showcases the newest releases on the market from 180 wine producers.
The wine region of Chianti is centuries old and has experienced more “ups and downs” than a trampolining world champion.
Since the exodus of the “Mezzadria” families in the 1960s, a new and altogether better system replaced the old.
The rise of the Landowner winemakers assisted by a group of enologists started to redefine and reinvigorate the Chianti wine region with modern viticulture, canopy management, new wine-making equipment and the introduction of oak barrels.
For in-depth insight into Chianti Classico, a wonderful book called “Chianti Classico: The search for Tuscany Noblest Wine” by Bill Nesto M.W. will quench all thirsts!
Tasting Notes
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Colledila Gran Selezione 2013
A classic wine. Elegant. Smooth tannins. Plum, slight tobacco notes. Approachable.
2018-2030 | 94 Points
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Bettino 2015
Ripe plum, black cherry, cigar box. Tannins need time to soften.
2019-2029 | 92 Points
Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo’ 2014
A blend of Sangiovese 85% and Malvasia Nera 15%. Intense red cherry. Liquorice, spice. Integrated and polished. Wow!
2018-2030 | 94 Points
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala 2015
Elegant, aromatic, floral. Hints of tobacco. Tannins suggest time needed to soften. This has Radda running through its DNA!
2020-2035 | 95 Points
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Puro 2013
Powerful deep red fruits, dried flowers, herb notes, orange peel. Fresh forward tannins. This could really improve with age. Needs time.
2020-2035 | 94+ Points
Istine Chianti Classico Le Vigne Riserva 2013
This is the top wine of Istine, beautifully crafted with fruit from two parts of the estate; one near Radda, the other near Vertine Gaiole. Only the best of Sangiovese goes into this bottling. Captivating bouquet. Violet flower notes. Liquorice. Multilayered. Elegant.
2018-2028 | 93 Points
Fèlsina Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2013
Beguiling bouquet, dark cherry, liquorice, spices. Rich, deep. Needs a few more years bottle time.
2021-2036 | 93+ Points
Fèlsina Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
Rancia 2001 was my first purchase from this estate. Subsequent vintages continue to impress. Normally big, bold Sangiovese powerhouse that needs 5-8 years to soften before it starts to give up its secrets. Not the case in 2015: this has a softer, elegant, more approachable side. Plainly speaking, it could be the best Rancia yet.
2021-2040 | 95 Points
Fèlsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2013
This is a dynamite of a wine.This beauty offers prune, black fruit, tobacco and savoury notes structured but elegant. Less oak definition than previous offerings.
2020-2040 | 96 Points
Fèlsina Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2015
This is the best showing of this wine. The 2015 offers us the opportunity to engage with a rich, multi layered complex wine. Black berries, prunes, floral notes, liquorice, tones of cigar box. Seamless and balanced. A stunning wine which will give pleasure for many decades. Released March 2018. Do not miss this wine!
2020-2040 | 97+ Points
Rocca delle Macíe Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva Di Fizzano 2015
Welcoming bouquet. Forward black fruit. Liquorice. Open, smooth and long. Multi layered. Well crafted.
2018-2025 | 93 Points
Rocca delle Macíe Chianti Classico Sergio Zingarelli 2014
Endearing nose. Balanced. Black cherry, cedar, herb notes. Fresh tannins. Long mid-palate. Sophisticated.
2018-2028 | 94 Points
Rocca di Montegrossi Geremia 2014
Vigorous and classical. Black fruit, spice, minerality, leather, cigar box, blue flower notes. This is stunning!
2018-2028 | 95 Points
Vecchie Terre di Montefili Anfiteatro 2013
This estate has recently changed hands and from this showing it has a great future. Multi layered, singular wine with class. Needs time to evolve. A beauty all the same. A new team hard at work here!
2021-2030 | 95+ Points
Vecchie Terre di Montefili Chianti Classico Riserva 2013
Bewitches you with its bouquet. Rich and velvety, concentrated fruit, full of energy. Glorious and outstanding value.
2018-2030 | 94 Points
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classici Gran Selezione Sassello 2013
This was a fabulous showing. Great balance. Layered. Plum, cherry, bitter orange, spice. Needs bottle time.
2021-2038 | 93 Points
Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013
Once again this famous wine family have excelled themselves. This is outstanding: complex, elegant, a lighter touch than previous years. Everything in its place. Truly irresistible!
2018-2028 | 94 Points
Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Vigneto Il Poggio 2012
I purchased the 2006 and it is still in its youth. As for the 2012: firstly it needs time (at least five years). The tannins are fresh. Cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and dried earth. This will, in time, reward the purchaser with a classic wine of great character.
2020-2045 | 93+ Points
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva 2010
A wine for cellaring. Approachable soon but will reward with bottle age. Robust wine with class. Plum, black cherry, liquorice, mint and blue flower tones.
2019-2040 | 95+ Points
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico 2013
Wow! Dark fruit, integrated tannins. Liquorice, orange peel, mint, cedar. Smoky. Medium to full body.
2019-2035 | 96 Points
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2015
Dark silky wine. Luscious and deep. Full bodied with black cherry, spice, tobacco, mint. Drinking well now, this wine will give pleasure for decades to come. This wine has it all!
2018-2038 | 97 Points
Tenuta degli Dei Cavalli 2013
An IGT wine made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc. This wine is a tour de force showing complex structure with an individualistic style. Rich, silky and approachable. The wine maker Tommaso is the son of the famous fashion stylist Roberto Cavalli.
2018-2030 | 94 Points
Tenuta degli Dei Forcole 2015
Red fruit, chocolate, leather. Medium to full body. Well rounded. Integrated. Showing well on this tasting.
2018-2025 | 93 Points
Castello di Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2014
Plum, liquorice, floral. Well crafted wine considering the challenges of the vintage. Fresh tannins. Needs 2-3 years bottle age. This is an estate to follow.
2020-2035 | 93 Points
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