Tenuta Arceno's Chianti Classico has been one our most popular Italian reds thanks to its modern and opulent take on the vibrant, herbal-tinged reds of Tuscany's historic Chianti hills. The new 2022 edition is destined to keep winning over wine lovers with its sleek texture and delicious, mouthwatering flavors! The Arceno estate has been putting out wine for centuries, but it was California wine pioneer, Jess Jackson, who gave it new life when he bought it in 1994. Here in the southern Castelnuovo Berardenga region, you can find a generosity of fruit character equaled by rich tannins, perfect for hearty, savory pairings at the table! For their classic 'everyday' Chianti Classico, Arceno leans into this character, fleshing out their Sangiovese with a bit of Merlot, and aging it for 10 months in seasoned, small French oak barrels.
The 2022 edition is driven by a concentrated core of red berries (strawberry, cherry, raspberry) and black plum cordial, with accents reminiscent of darkly floral violet, tobacco, fragrant herb (thyme, rosemary) and stony earth, all supported by a subtly enriching base of woodsy barrel spice (vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) that complements the warming finish. It's more immediately streamlined in texture than the 2021 was, with soft, 'mineral' tannins that meld into the fruit, and a firm, vibrant core that gives this full-bodied wine an energetic feel throughout. This is a great wine for semi-firm cheeses, hearty pizzas, meaty pastas, and citrusy pork roasts. As with most Italian wines, it just gets better with time in the glass!
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This red is sleek and engaging, offering cherry, raspberry, blackberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Harmonious, with beautifully integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and detailed. Sangiovese and Merlot."
The 2022 edition is driven by a concentrated core of red berries (strawberry, cherry, raspberry) and black plum cordial, with accents reminiscent of darkly floral violet, tobacco, fragrant herb (thyme, rosemary) and stony earth, all supported by a subtly enriching base of woodsy barrel spice (vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) that complements the warming finish. It's more immediately streamlined in texture than the 2021 was, with soft, 'mineral' tannins that meld into the fruit, and a firm, vibrant core that gives this full-bodied wine an energetic feel throughout. This is a great wine for semi-firm cheeses, hearty pizzas, meaty pastas, and citrusy pork roasts. As with most Italian wines, it just gets better with time in the glass!
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "This red is sleek and engaging, offering cherry, raspberry, blackberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Harmonious, with beautifully integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and detailed. Sangiovese and Merlot."
