2012 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
100% Sangiovese. 12 months in fine to extra-fine grained French oak barriques and tonneaux (5% new). Bright cherry red. Intense farmyard flavours on the nose are rather admirable, but then it’s all a bit dilute on the palate. And I suspect this is not cheap. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Healthy mid ruby. Expressive cherry rosehip and garden herb nose and really fine. Transparent and succulent palate with energetic acidity and coating tannins. Elegant. (WS)
Sweet red berries, rose petals, mint and cinnamon lift from the glass in the 2012 Chianti Classico Querciabella. The perfume and purity of the fruit are both striking in a mid-weight, gracious Chianti full of near and medium-term appeal. It is remarkable to think how far things have developed at Querciabella over the last decade. The Chianti Classico was once dark, oaky and full of international grapes. Today, it is the natural beauty of Sangiovese the estate chooses to highlight.
Cask sample. Mid crimson. Pretty strawberry and cherry-liqueur nose with real concentration. Spiciness and tangy acidity but it is slightly tainted by oxidation and a little numb. Two samples tasted. (WS)
About the producer

Literally translating as “beautiful oak”, Querciabella was created in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni. A pioneer in Chianti, he started farming biodynamically and experimenting with both varieties and winemaking – one result of which was Camartina, the property’s flagship Super Tuscan.