2018 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
This pretty wine gives us a good read of the vintage, which was cool and rainy during the spring months and warm and sunny before harvest. The 2018 Chianti Classico may be a little overripe, but not by much. There is a moment of sweetness, followed immediately by tart cherry and cassis. When given more time to open, the wine begins to show rosemary, dried rose and garden soil. This a good value for sausage-pizza night.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chianti Classico is an absolutely joyous wine. Bright red cherry fruit, tangy acids and sweet floral notes all run a translucent, super-expressive Chianti Classico that quite frankly knocks it out of the park. The 2018 is so delineated, so vibrant and just so incredibly delicious. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. The oak needs a bit of time to fully integrate, but it already has over the last few months. This is what Sangiovese (called Sangioveto here) and Chianti Classico are all about. Best of all, the 2018 is a screaming value. Don't miss it.
Castellina in Chianti. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. Mid crimson. Rich cherry nose with a hint of stalks. Supple, concentrated, and tangy palate with gripping, ripe tannins. Ready to be enjoyed. (WS)