Winemaker Notes
The estate Chianti Classico is central in representing Badia a Coltibuono's vision and relationship with its place and its history. Using the traditional blend of Sangiovese and complementary varieties, as well as propagating vines the traditional way - by massal selection - has always been the backbone of the wine. Modern techniques such as vinification by gravity are used to bring forth the best expression of the fruit, but traditional approaches, from indigenous yeast fermentation to aging in oak casks rather than barriques, are central to the authenticity of the wine. The winery's long-established organic practices are also fundamental in the development of the truly unique character of the grapes.
Blend: 90% Sangiovese; 10% Colorino, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very typical and beautiful Chianti Classico with cherry, burnt-orange and polished-wood aromas that follow through to a full body with round tannins and a fresh, vivid finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Ripe wild berry, blue flower and dark spice aromas form the nose along with whiffs of new leather. Tangy and easy drinking, the savory palate offers mature Marasca cherry and licorice alongside lithe tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The certified organic 2019 Chianti Classico is 90% Sangiovese with smaller parts Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. Fruit comes from calcareous clay soils in a wild and thickly forested corner of Gaiole in Chianti. The wine shows genuine clarity and shine with simple berry aromas balanced by easy spice and earth. There aren't any extra bells or whistles. The point is finding the essence of Sangiovese, without adding layers.
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Wine Spectator
This silky red shows a pure cherry center offset by earthy, leafy flavors. A touch dry in the balance, where the earth and underbrush notes echo. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. Drink now.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
One of the first wine regions anywhere to be officially recognized and delimited, Chianti Classico is today what was originally defined simply as Chianti. Already identified by the early 18th century as a superior zone, the official name of Chianti was proclaimed upon the area surrounding the townships of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany in an official decree in 1716.
However, by the 1930s the Italian government had appended this historic zone with additonal land in order to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn’t until 1996 that Chianti Classico became autonomous once again when the government granted a separate DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) to its borders. Ever since, Chianti Classico considers itself no longer a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos are today made of 100% Sangiovese but can include up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico borders. The best Classicos will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and be full-bodied with plenty of ripe fruit (plums, black cherry, blackberry). Also common among the best Classicos are expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic or tobacco.