2004 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva

Tuscany, Italy

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is produced exclusively from the finest, most highly selected grapes grown on the Antinori estates of Santa Cristina, Pèppoli and Badia a Passignano in the Mercatale Val di Pesa zone of the Chianti Classico region. The wine is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. For this outstanding 2004 vintage, the wine received a rating of 89 points from Wine Spectator. At Wine Gems, we simply call it a red wine gem!

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is dark ruby-garnet in color. On the nose, it has pronounced cherry and violet notes with nuances of tobacco. The wine is full-bodied with remarkable depth and structure. On the palate, it shows flavors of blackberry, raspberry, chocolate and spice. Aged for 14 months in 225-liter French oak barrels (Alliers & Troncais) for added richness and complexity, it spends another full year in bottle before release. Beautifully balanced to enjoy now, this red has the potential to reward cellaring for another 8-10 years. It is long and silky smooth on the finish.

Enjoy Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva with osso bucco, lasagna, veal Milanese, grilled vegetables, and aged cheeses.