2011 Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
The estate's 2011 Chianti Classico is drop-dead gorgeous. Super-ripe red fruits and flowers resonate in a Chianti with gorgeous mid-palate pliancy. The 2011 is quite typical for the year in its raciness, but it also boasts surprising finesse and brightness. In order to maintain an element of freshness in this warm vintage, proprietor Luca Martini di Cigala added 5% whole bunches, with stems, an approach that has paid off big time. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. Wow!
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Chianti Classico (all Sangiovese, with 5% Canaiolo) is extremely lush, dense and loaded with beautiful tones of red fruit, spice, leather, blackberry preserves and rum cake. I love the intensity and the way the wine caresses the palate so softly and smoothly. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Run by the Martini di Cigala siblings (Elisabetta, Luca and Francesco), Fattoria San Giusto a Rentennano is a flagship winery in the Gaiole in Chianti subzone of the denomination. The wines presented are truly spectacular: They are among the best I have tasted this year. Importer: Marc de Grazia Selections; www.marcdegrazia.com
Cask sample. Healthy looking, and just mid crimson. Pretty nose of raspberry and a hint of oatmeal. Beautiful lightness on the palate with lively fruit. Big tannic charge, but it works. Can age, and should. (WS)
Gaiole in Chianti. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. Cask sample. Violet ruby. Very different from the others. Not opulent or rich at all on the nose. Quite poised even. Very elegant and precise. Very good acidity and bold tannin and very good length. The wine of the vintage? (WS)
About the producer
San Giusto a Rentennano is one of the leading producers in the Chianti Classico region. Its 100% Merlot Super Tuscan La Ricolma and 100% Sangiovese cuvée, Percarlo, are two of the most consistent and collected fine wines in Tuscany.