90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo & Colorino
Castello di Monsanto makes some of the finest Chianti Classicos, and their Riserva is the star in their lineup. Coming from a warm area of the zone's Northwest, this shows dark tones to Sangiovese's vibrant cherry profile, and generous tannins that softly tighten up on the finish. Their winemaking is fairly traditional, with a lot of character shining through rather than polish. Riservas like this are typically meant to open after a couple further years of 'cellaring,' though if kept well, can gracefully reach maturity at 10-15 years from vintage!
WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 POINTS - "Bing cherry and blood orange, potting soil, graphite and then wild herbs—especially sage—appear on the nose, before a whisper of vanilla and cedar. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, and then herbs emerging again on the back. A rare example of a wine with great sophistication that's also an undeniable crowd-pleaser." — Danielle Callegari
VINOUS 93+ POINTS - "Just bottled, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is stellar. It offers a beguiling mix of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acids. Striking aromatics, notable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is a such a gorgeous and compelling wine. " - Antonio Galloni
JAMES SUCKLING 94 POINTS - "This is complex and spiced with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nut shell and toasted spices. Hints of walnut and crushed stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied with super polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and focused. "
Castello di Monsanto makes some of the finest Chianti Classicos, and their Riserva is the star in their lineup. Coming from a warm area of the zone's Northwest, this shows dark tones to Sangiovese's vibrant cherry profile, and generous tannins that softly tighten up on the finish. Their winemaking is fairly traditional, with a lot of character shining through rather than polish. Riservas like this are typically meant to open after a couple further years of 'cellaring,' though if kept well, can gracefully reach maturity at 10-15 years from vintage!
WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 POINTS - "Bing cherry and blood orange, potting soil, graphite and then wild herbs—especially sage—appear on the nose, before a whisper of vanilla and cedar. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, and then herbs emerging again on the back. A rare example of a wine with great sophistication that's also an undeniable crowd-pleaser." — Danielle Callegari
VINOUS 93+ POINTS - "Just bottled, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is stellar. It offers a beguiling mix of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acids. Striking aromatics, notable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is a such a gorgeous and compelling wine. " - Antonio Galloni
JAMES SUCKLING 94 POINTS - "This is complex and spiced with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nut shell and toasted spices. Hints of walnut and crushed stones, too. Medium- to full-bodied with super polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and focused. "
