2021 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,110 g. 100% Sangiovese, destemmed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks with ambient yeasts, pumpovers and extended maceration on the skins (up to 4 weeks). After malolactic fermentation, the wine aged for 14 months in a combination of 225-litre French oak barrels, 500-litre tonneaux and 30-hl oak vats. 5% new oak, the rest second- and third-fill barrels. 6 months’ bottle age before release. Winemaker Manfred Ing. TA 5.77 g/l, pH 3.77, RS 1 g/l. Vegan. Organic and biodynamic. Available in up to 100 shops. Mid shaded garnet. From a lauded vintage in Chianti Classico. Chestnuts on the nose. Smooth tannins and correct balance. No hurry to drink this. Real tang on the end but no obvious oak influence. Quite stony. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A saturated purple/magenta hue, the 2021 Chianti Classico is lush and fresh with aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, violet, and fresh leather. Plush and inviting, with bright acidity along the sides of the palate shining through, it offers a velvety texture with a long finish. It’s polished but not oaky and has a very refined feel, with medium to full body and a long and balanced finish. Drink 2026-2040. Translating to “beautiful oak,” Querciabella has 72 hectares of vines in Greve, Radda, and Gaiole. They are certified organic and practice vegan viticulture and winemaking. Winemaker Manfred Ing, of South African descent, has been making remarkable strides forward in recent years, with the wines showing an increasing level of refinement and balance while retaining outstanding purity and depth. They have also begun utilizing fruit from the village of Lamole, which he feels has added freshness and vibrancy to the wines.
The 2021 Sangiovese Radda is the most compelling of the three young Sangioveses, as it brings together all of the most exciting elements of this young vintage. Rich, deep and potent, with strong mineral underpinnings, the 2021 is shaping up to be a gem. Red purplish fruit, rose petal and blood orange all race through to the palate-staining finish. This is one of the first wines at Querciabella to use some whole clusters, about 30%, an approach that works beautifully here. The 2021 is riveting in every way. I only hope it is actually released one day!
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.