A jubilant atmosphere enveloped the Stazione Leopolda in Florence as the Chianti Classico Consortium commemorated its centennial milestone amidst the unveiling of new vintages. Symbolizing one of Italy’s most revered wines, the Black Rooster, has gracefully sung its ode for 36,525 days, embodying eloquence, erudition, and steadfast determination.
Rooted in the rich tapestry of time, Chianti Classico‘s winemaking legacy traces back to the Middle Ages, nurtured by monks who cultivated grapes along the trade route between Florence and Siena. This year, as the Consortium marks its centenary, the celebration embraces not only tradition but also innovation, encapsulating a century of excellence.
Chianti Classico Collecion celebrates a century of excellence with record numbers
The centennial edition of the Chianti Classico Collection witnessed unprecedented participation, with 773 wines from 221 esteemed wineries gracing the event. Amidst a gathering of over 2,000 industry professionals and 350 press representatives from across the globe, 460 aficionados joined the festivities, raising a toast to the enduring legacy of the Black Rooster.
A celebration of richness and diversity
Two days prove insufficient to fully unravel the depth and complexity of the offerings, forcing one to prioritize and strategize each tasting session. In a quest to savor the diverse terroirs, we embarked on a tasting journey, exploring the full spectrum of as many wineries as possible. Embracing the nuances of each pour, we immersed ourselves in the essence of the land, also guided by the Consortium’s Additional Geographical Units (UGA), a testament to the region’s rich heritage and human ingenuity.
Notably, the Consortium has recently formalized its Additional Geographical Units (UGA), exclusively displayed on the labels of Gran Selezione wines. These UGAs signify the wine’s specific area of origin, without implying a superior quality. Instead, they serve as a conduit for narrating the terroir’s story and identity, emphasizing the indispensable role of interpretation and craftsmanship. Consequently, those anticipating uniform characteristics among wines from the same UGA may find themselves pleasantly surprised.
In our quest for both affirmation and novelty, we present below the wineries that left an indelible impression on us, among those we had the privilege to sample.
The most convincing wineries based on our tastings
- Istine: Angela Fronti’s commitment to pure Sangiovese is evident in every sip, exuding harmony and energy. From the exceptional 2022 barrel sample to the acclaimed Vigna Cavarchione 2021 cru, Istine captivates with its finesse.
- Isola delle Facole: This emerging entity dazzles with wines of unparalleled freshness and complexity. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Isola delle Falcole 2019 epitomizes elegance, offering a sensory journey for connoisseurs.
- Riecine: A paragon of consistency, Riecine masterfully interprets each vintage, captivating palates with its Chianti Classico 2022 and the renowned Gran Selezione Villa Gittori 2021, a testament to perfection.
- Renzo Marinai: With an unwavering commitment to quality, Renzo Marinai delivers excellence across its range. From the vibrant Chianti Classico 2020 to the elegant Gran Selezione 2019, each pour is a tribute to precision and passion.
- Arillo in Terrabianca: Choosing between the Riserva Poggio Croce 2020 and the Gran Selezione Terrabianca 2019 is a delightful dilemma, as both exemplify finesse and intensity, leaving a lasting impression on discerning palates.
- Fattoria di Lamole – Paolo Socci: The Castello di Lamole 2017 captivates with its balsamic notes and profound complexity, while the Vigna Grospoli Gran Selection 2016 epitomizes sumptuous elegance, showcasing the estate’s timeless allure.
- Pomona: Monica Raspi’s wines mirror her vibrant personality, offering a symphony of flavors. From the gritty Chianti Classico 2021 to the superlative Riserva 2020, each pour embodies elegance and allure.
- Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano: With cask samples that promise excellence, Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano captivates with its Chianti Classico 2022 and Riserva Le Baròncole 2021, leaving enthusiasts eager for the final bottled creations.
As we reflect on our tasting experience, we celebrate the diversity and richness of Chianti Classico, where each pour tells a unique story of terroir and tradition. Amidst the myriad expressions, a common thread of excellence prevails, underscoring the timeless allure of this revered wine region.
© Riproduzione riservata
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