2019 Chianti Classico Riserva
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Tasting notes
Displaying a youthful red-with-orange color, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is layered with cedar, black raspberry, anise, and tobacco aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it is refreshing without any weight, and its clean acidity is evenly balanced through the wine, with fine tannins that take a pleasing angular feel that’s well-managed. It’s long on the palate, its delicate perfume hovering on the palate after the wine is gone, with notes of bergamot. This very appealing wine will continue to improve with another couple of years in the cellar. Drink 2026-2038. The Stucchi Prinetti family has helmed this Monti del Chianti-based estate since 1846, with the sixth generation being led by Emanuela, Paolo, and Roberto Stucchi Prinetti. Their Montebello embraces the indigenous ancient varietals of Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, MalvasiaNera, Canaiolo, and FogliaTonda. I was able to taste the wines for this report with Roberto Stucchi Prinetti in New York as well as at the offices of the Consorzio.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The organic Badia a Coltibuono 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is 90% Sangiovese with Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino that is submitted to three weeks of skin contact during fermentation and 24 months of aging in large oak casks. The key here is territory. This estate manages a very authentic and clean expression of Gaiole in Chianti, which is one of the wildest corners of the appellation with winding roads that cut through thick forests. That wild character is transmitted here with aromas of forest fruit, spice and earth. Production is 40,000 bottles, and this wine comes to market in fall 2023.
The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a good choice for drinking now and over the next few years, but not longer, as the flavors are already evolved. Dried cherry, worn-in leather, tobacco and spice all show a bit more evolution than I would like to see in a current release Riserva.