Chianti Classico Monsanto Riserva 2021

Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 from Castello di Monsanto is a monumental wine from one of the most prestigious estates in the Barberino Tavarnelle area. Monsanto is famous for creating the first Cru of Chianti Classico (the Il Poggio vineyard), and its Riserva traces its style: long-lived, elegant and strictly faithful to the terroir.

Here are the main features of the 2021 vintage:

Organoleptic Profile

• Color: Deep and bright ruby red.

• Nose: A classic and complex bouquet. It opens with intense notes of black cherry and dark cherry, fading to hints of tobacco, leather and noble spices. A definite mineral component reminiscent of earth and graphite is present.

• Taste: In the mouth it is a wine of great balance and backbone. The 2021 vintage was exceptional, giving a powerful structure supported by vibrant acidity. The tannins are dense and silky, leading to a very long and deeply savory finish.

Technical Characteristics

• Grapes: Predominantly Sangiovese (about 90 percent) with balances of Canaiolo and Colorino, respecting the historic Chianti recipe.

• Aging: It matures for about 18-20 months in small and medium-sized Slavonian oak barrels, followed by a long rest in the bottle. This method allows the wine to evolve without losing the freshness of the fruit.

• Philosophy: Castello di Monsanto is known for producing wines that defy time; this Riserva is famous for its ability to age gracefully for decades.

Recommended pairings

It is a wine that prefers rich and succulent dishes:

• Meats: Great piece of baked beef, flank steak or stews.

• Game: Maremma-style wild boar or partridge stew.

• Cheese: Very aged Tuscan Pecorino or flavorful hard rind cheeses.

Monsanto’s character: Compared to the almost “French” finesse of Isole and Olena, Monsanto’s Riserva has a more austere and earthy backbone. It is a wine that perfectly expresses the character of Sangiovese born on galestro-rich soils. The 2021 vintage has truly extraordinary aging potential.