It’s hard to believe that a decade ago, I would be here championing the remarkable qualities of Chianti Classico Riserva. Yet, as the years have passed, my perspective has evolved, and now I find myself celebrating this exquisite wine.
My affection for Chianti Classico has always been strong, and it remains one of the most underrated and overlooked wines in the world. However, I was once hesitant to embrace the Riservas, which are known for being denser, more structured, and typically more expensive than their standard counterparts.
For many years, it seemed that producers felt compelled to elevate the status of their Riservas by subjecting them to aging in small French oak barrels. This trend, which became widespread in the 1990s and 2000s, often resulted in wines that, while polished and glamorous, overshadowed the exquisite purity inherent in the Sangiovese grape.
This issue was not confined to Tuscany, the birthplace of Chianti Classico. Across the globe, winemakers believed that their finest creations had to exude power and oakiness, often sacrificing finesse and subtlety for sheer muscle and ostentation. The wines produced during this era were frequently marked by extravagant winemaking techniques rather than reflecting the true essence of their terroir.
For a considerable time, my advice was to save your money and seek out the more affordable options. These less expensive wines, generally free from such heavy-handed winemaking practices, often delivered a much more satisfying experience.
However, in the last ten years, a noticeable shift has occurred within the wine industry. Producers worldwide have begun to dial back their aggressive approach, allowing their vineyards and wines to express themselves more authentically. This transformation has led to a significant enhancement in quality. The once-concealed greatness of wines like Chianti Classico Riserva has emerged, free from layers of excessive embellishment, and it is truly a delightful revelation.
In my exploration of recent vintages, I have discovered nine exceptional bottles of Chianti Classico Riserva that I wholeheartedly recommend:
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 – A perfect balance of fruit and earthiness.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2017 – Rich and velvety with notes of dark cherry.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 – Elegant with a long, persistent finish.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 – Bright acidity paired with deep flavors.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 – A blend of tradition and modernity.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 – Bold yet approachable, ideal for any occasion.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 – Fresh and expressive, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2023 – A promising vintage showcasing the region’s potential.
- Chianti Classico Riserva 2024 – A stellar representation of the terroir.
In conclusion, the revitalization of Chianti Classico Riserva is a testament to the evolving philosophy of winemaking, where the beauty of the vineyard now shines through, making it a wine worth celebrating.
