Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 3 pk 2018

Tasting Notes

Produced only in the best vintages, the “Riserva” is one of the most representative wines of the winery, and it is the top expression of Sangiovese own characteristics. Red garnet colour, scent with red fruit aromas, followed by notes of tobacco, black pepper and sweet wood, which become more complex and delicate with the ageing.

Food Pairings

Typical foods you will find served at the Verrazzano restaurant include cured Tuscan salami, wild boar ribs with rosemary, porcini sauced pasta, grilled Fiorentina Steak (T-bone) and aged pecorino cheese

Third Party Reviews

A certified organic wine, the Castello di Verrazzano 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva has dark fruit and blackberry with hints of green tea or forest floor at the back. The blend is 95% Sangiovese with tiny additions of complementary grapes. This vintage saw a cool, rainy spring and a hot summer, and the wine reflects some of the spicier notes linked to the cooler months as well as the ripe tones that come with higher temperatures. The 2018 is a unique hybrid in that way. 92 Pts Wine Advocate – M.L.

Owner Luigi Cappellini compares 2018 to 2020 in that sugar ripeness was reached before phenolic ripeness in both vintages, resulting in rather rigid structure. After long ageing in 20hl casks, the Riserva has softened somewhat but is still crisp in acidity and gritty in tannins. Expressive notes of spice, leather and tobacco infuse Italian prune plum and cherry. Quite a substantial 2018, this is dense and amply extracted with a savoury palate. It will be best at the dinner table, perhaps alongside wild boar ragu. 92Pts – Decanter

This is red-fruited with notes of cedar, walnut and leather. Some wet earth, too. Medium body. Spiced and a little tight on the palate with chalky tannins and crunchy acidity. Polished finish. 91 Pts – James Suckling