Although it sits (alongside Barolo) as Italy’s most famous wine, Chianti is enormously variable in terms of quality. While considerable gains have been made in the past two to three decades, most particularly in terms of increasing the percentage of Sangiovese in the final blend and reducing the use of white grapes, Chianti styles vary considerably.
Chianti Classico, for many the standard bearer of quality Chianti (though producers of Chianti Rufina would beg to differ) is a far from homogenous appellation. The styles of wines produced are as diverse as the rolling hills of central Tuscany from which they originate. Blending partners such as Canaiolo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all lend their own personality to the final wine, as do the different oak maturation regimes employed by the region’s many producers.
With that in mind, it is refreshing to come across a benchmark example of ‘classic’ Chianti from the excellent 2004 vintage. Almost a decade on, it is drinking at the peak of its powers, a lovely blend of fading primary fruit and secondary complexity. This particular bottle illustrates the importance of timing, as the cork was drawn at pretty much the perfect point in its evolution.
2004 CHIANTI CLASSICO
Producer: Carpineto
Variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2004
Region: Tuscany, Italy
ABV: 13%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 13 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Mid garnet, starting to brown on the rim. Mature nose of leather, fig, sandalwood, cherry lurking in the background. Round, soft and inviting on the palate, lovely balance of faded primary fruit and secondary complexity. Tannins have completely resolved and the acidity is fine and well balanced. Excellent example of mature Chianti Classico. Top marks for typicity!
Score: 17/20
Chianti Classico, for many the standard bearer of quality Chianti (though producers of Chianti Rufina would beg to differ) is a far from homogenous appellation. The styles of wines produced are as diverse as the rolling hills of central Tuscany from which they originate. Blending partners such as Canaiolo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all lend their own personality to the final wine, as do the different oak maturation regimes employed by the region’s many producers.
With that in mind, it is refreshing to come across a benchmark example of ‘classic’ Chianti from the excellent 2004 vintage. Almost a decade on, it is drinking at the peak of its powers, a lovely blend of fading primary fruit and secondary complexity. This particular bottle illustrates the importance of timing, as the cork was drawn at pretty much the perfect point in its evolution.
2004 CHIANTI CLASSICO Producer: Carpineto
Variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 2004
Region: Tuscany, Italy
ABV: 13%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 13 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Mid garnet, starting to brown on the rim. Mature nose of leather, fig, sandalwood, cherry lurking in the background. Round, soft and inviting on the palate, lovely balance of faded primary fruit and secondary complexity. Tannins have completely resolved and the acidity is fine and well balanced. Excellent example of mature Chianti Classico. Top marks for typicity!
Score: 17/20
No comments:
Post a Comment