Montecalvi Chianti Classico 2021

Tuscany, Italy 

Jancis Robinson 92 points! 

Montecalvi Chianti Classico is a beautiful wine from this famous appellation of Tuscany. Renowned winemaker Tim Manning is leading this up-and-coming estate in Greve. Montecalvi's wine history goes back to the 1400's and their specialty is Sangiovese. Vineyards on sandstone/clay soil at an altitude at 250m above sea level and with ideal south/south-east/south-west exposures. They farm their vineyards (and all of the estate) organically and sustainably. Only 4 hectares are devoted to grapes with the oldest for the Chianti Classico over 30 years. The wine is basically a Sangiovese but with a touch of Canaiolo and Canina Nera in a field blend. 

“Very light intensity of colour yet the impact on the nose and palate of this Sangiovese is dramatic: a plot twist that, from sight, one would not expect. The nose is salty, sweetly spiced and faintly herbal, with star anise, peppered tartare and fresh mint, but the palate is really where the drinker can get lost down rabbit holes. The tannins are so resolved that they sit back and do not occupy centre stage as Sangiovese wines so often do; thus the acidity and fruit interplay is flamboyant and theatrical, with a long finish. More acts to follow, it would say. Drinking Window 2021 - 2031.”—Emily O’Hare, Decanter, 94 points! (on the 2019 vintage) 

Montecalvi Chianti Classico is deep ruby red in color with a beautiful nose of red berries, plums, violets, and spice. Medium in body with moderate acidity and firm tannins, this red offers flavors of cherry, blackberry and mocha, with well-integrated sweet oak. Aged for 18 months in French tonneaux, then 30 days in stainless and at least 6 months in the bottles, it is nicely balanced to enjoy now or to cellar. The finish is long and polished. 

Enjoy Montecalvi Chianti Classico with veal, pasta, osso buco, and aged cheeses.