Chianti Masterclass – Straight to the Heart of Tuscany.

The surprising complexities that surround Chianti wines is why Luca decided to focus on Chianti for the November Box of the Month. Chianti is arguably one of Italy’s best known wines. Produced in the heart of Tuscany in an area that encompasses Florence, Siena and Arezzo, the blanket term is used to describe all red wines produced in the Chianti appellation with a winemaking history that stretches back millennia. Now there are over 300 producers and so over the centuries additional legislation has been introduced to stop things from getting too complex. To be labelled a Chianti Classico DOCG requires for the wine to be composed of at least 80% Sangiovese and the introduction of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that must be produced from 100% Sangiovese. 

Read the blog about Chianti wine and our winemakers HERE

The Wines
Luca has selected six bottles that get to the heart of Chianti. That means exploring the approaches to wines from historic estates to those working in more exploratory ways, to the differences between a Classico and a Gran Selezione from the same producer. These wines that stand out from the plethora of bottles of Chianti that are out there, either for their tradition, their elegance or their innovation.    

Fiasco Chianti Superiore Buccia Nera 
A revival of the Chianti of yesteryear. The iconic Fiasco is back. In the hands of Buccia Nera who are combining age old techniques with forward thinking sustainable practices this is evidence that the Fiasco is anything but kitsch. Think spontaneous and malolactic fermentation combined with ageing in oak. 

Buccia Nera Podere della Filandra Chianti DOCG (2022)
Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes from vines that are more than 10 years old, this wine reflects the philosophy of Buccia Nera to create clean wines that reflect the terroir. With 6 month ageing in steel tanks, it is intense yet with a lively play of red berry fruits in the mouth. 

Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico DOCG (2021)
Produced from a blend of grapes derived from the various vineyards of Carpineta Fontalpino this is a prime example of a Chianti Classico done well. In the glass it is a beautiful red shade with purple glimpses and is defined by the subtle savoury touch that we love so much about Sangiovese. 

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico DOCG (2020)
With 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino vinified in steel truncated conical vats, this wine may be produced from the youngest vineyards of Castello di Monsanto but is by no means uninteresting. Maturation in French oak casks for 15 months its medium body and excellent acidity is the background for an explosion of red cherry currants and marjoram. 

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (2019)
Aromas of morel cherry, nutmeg and oregano. Very good concentration, but a touch lighter than most Riservas. Typical freshness, excellent persistence. Outstanding. And even more outstanding with each year that it ages in the bottle. 

Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Montaperto DOCG (2018)

Carpineta Fonaltapino’s Montaperto vineyard is characterised by its calcareous soil. This creates a wine of great elegance and refinement with notes of mature cherries and sweet spices. It is the delicate balance in the mouth that is reflected in its label: that of harmony with the moon.