Italiano
Wandering around Chianti Classico
We return to recommend Chianti Classico wines, in the certainty that, within 15 euros, it is a great drink.
The wineries we have chosen come from five different municipalities: two in the province of Florence, in the northwestern part of the denomination-San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Barberino Tavarnelle-and three "in the crown" in the province of Siena, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, giving an overview of the denomination.
And we begin in the north with the Nunzi Conti Family, whose estate is located near Mercatale. Wine production was started by Gualtiero Armando Nunzi, a legendary figure in Chianti Classico since the mid-1960s. The winery is stunning, and an 18th-century barn was converted into a wine cellar for winemaking. Villa Barberino, which forms the heart of the estate, is also an agritourism. Today the owners are Antonio and Isabella Nunzi Conti, grandchildren of the founder.
It is about 20 kilometers south from here to Castello di Monsanto. The farm is now 60 years old, founded in 1962 by a very young Fabrizio Bianchi. For years his daughter Laura has joined him, sharing his passion for wines and vineyards. Today, Castello di Monsanto is a staple of the Chianti Classico tradition. Its reserves, powerful and long-lived, are world-renowned.
Southeast of here (but the road to get there is not direct) is Lilliano. Still a medieval village with a long history, still a magical place to visit. On this tourist base is grafted the impetus given in recent years to the winery by Giulio Ruspoli, who has made Lilliano a great Chianti wine place. From Chianti Classico, both Riserva and vintage, to Anagallis (a Bordeaux blend), reliability is always respected.
From here to get to Castello di Volpaia, one goes up northeast, heading toward Radda in Chianti. A historic and prestigious winery, Volpaia never disproves its reputation and always offers wines of impeccable workmanship with some very high quality peaks, even with the wines of the Maremma estate's Prelius line, of rare pleasantness and truly affordable price. The link to the Castello's agricultural origins is evident, with wine, oil, and vegetable gardens.
We finish our mini-tour by heading west to Badia a Coltibuono, which is based in the historic 11th-century abbey. Reliability and excellent value for money are staples for this famous company owned by the Stucchi Prinetti family. Its products, made technically by winemaker Maurizio Castelli, have characteristics of good structure and excellent drinkability. In short, they are very typical Chianti reds and particularly eclectic in their pairings.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Famiglia Nunzi Conti
Chianti Classico 2019
91/100 - € 12,00
100% Sangiovese grapes. Matures 1 year in stainless steel and barriques. Intense and lively ruby red color. Very clear and fragrant aromas of violets, morello cherries and hints of Maraschino. Tense and savory taste, pleasant and delicious drinkability.
Castello di Monsanto
Chianti Classico 2019
93/100 - € 15,00
100% Sangiovese grapes. Matures 15 months in various size barrels. Lively garnet ruby red color. Enveloping aromas of mint, cardamom, blood orange and cherries. Rich and neat taste, delicious drinkability, very classic and traditional.
Lilliano
Chianti Classico 2019
93/100 - € 14,00
Blend of 80% Sangiovese with Colorino and Merlot grapes. Matures 1 year in big barrels and cement vats. Intense and bright garnet ruby red color. Fragrant, fruity and clear aromas, with evident notes of violets, cherries and blood orange. Pleasant, tense, savory and delicious drinkability.
Castello di Volpaia
Chianti Classico 2019
92/100 - € 15,00
Blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot grapes. Matures 1 year in big barrels. Bright garnet ruby red color. Typical and elegant aromas of blood orange and cherries, then hints of violets and carnation. Tense and dynamic taste, delicious drinkability, agile and very pleasant.
Badia a Coltibuono
Chianti Classico 2019
92/100 - € 15,00
Blend of 90% Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino and Ciliegiolo grapes. Matures 1 year in big barrels. Clear garnet ruby red color. Fruity and clear aromas of blood orange, cherries, then carnation and wildflowers. Tense and dynamic taste, agile, great acidity and delicate body.
