2020 Chianti Classico Riserva
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Tasting notes
A saturated ruby/magenta color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is loaded with floral and ripe fruit notes, opening to aromas of crushed violets, blackberry, black cherry, sweet potting soil, pine sap, and crushed sage. It’s full-bodied on the palate, with ripe tannins, mouthwatering mineral earth, and modest acidity. It brings umami richness and hints of shitake hovering underneath, begging to come through with more bottle age. It will do well to cellar another year or two. Drink 2026-2036. Brancaia is home to three estates for their wine label, two in the communes of Radda and Castellina in Chianti, and the third in Maremma. Bruno and Brigitte Widmer purchased the first parcels in Castellina in 1981 and expanded to Radda in 1989. Across the range, they are producing high-quality wines with a polished style and notable age-ability.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a smooth and supple wine with plenty of dark fruit, cherry and toasted spice that reflects a warm growing season. All of these organic wines from Brancaia are impeccably put together and show no hard edges thanks to careful fruit maturity and oak aging. This Riserva has sweet tannins over a mid-weight finish. Production is 38,000 bottles.
The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers up hints of macerated dark cherry, mocha, licorice, cinnamon and new leather. Deep and substantial on the palate, with terrific depth, the 2020 is showing beautifully today. It's a rich, heady Riserva to enjoy now and over the coming years.
Gaiole. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot. Certified organic. Lustrous mid ruby. Soft red fruit laced with sweet oak. Supple fruit palate with gripping tannins. Not the most complex and quite tannic on the finish. (WS)