2017 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The base 2017 Chianti Classico checks in as 90% Sangiovese and the balance Colorino, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo, all of which spent a year in varying oak vessels. It offers a classic Chianti deliciousness as well as pretty cherry and assorted red fruits, cedary spice, and sappy flower-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and straight-up gulpable, it's a terrific value for near-term drinking.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Opening to a lean, mid-weight appearance, the 2017 Chianti Classico shows a fairly ripe fruit profile due to the warm vintage, with overt tones of strawberry and dried raspberry. This Sangiovese (blended with smaller parts Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino) is simple and straightforward, with a touch of sweetness on the close. I prefer this wine from the cooler vintages because you get more fruit detailing and focus. Some 133,000 bottles were released.
Badia a Coltibuono's 2017 Chianti Classico is a soft, fruity wine to drink now and over the next handful of years, before the fruit fully fades. This is an especially light, fleeting wine, even within the context of the year.
Lovely purity of fruit here, which ranges from citrus to hibiscus to bright herbs and raspberries. Medium-bodied but spicy and serious, knitting a finely woven texture of tannins and fruit together in harmonious style. Drink now.