2006 Chianti Classico

The 2006 Chianti Classico is a plump, juicy, modern-styled Chianti. It offers excellent length and a generous personality that will provide much pleasure over the next few years. A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 3% Colorino and 2% Malvasia Nera, it spent 12 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Proprietor Filippo Mazzei and consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini were thrilled with their young wines when I visited Fonterutoli just after the 2006 harvest. The wines we tasted from tank were indeed quite promising, and now the first of these is coming onto the market. The estate has also done very well with its 2005s. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642