This year is the 300th anniversary of what is considered the first wine region in the world. In 1716, the Grand Duke Cosimo III set the borders of the Black Rooster production zone for Chianti Classico. The “Classico” zone is one of the eight sub-zones of Chianti in Tuscany.
This past Sunday, Pierre Loti wine bar on 258 West 15th Street in Manhattan held a Chianti fundraiser/tasting for the Wheeling Forward organization. It was a sit-down tasting of nine Chianti Classico and Riserva with commentary by wine educator, Robin Kelly O’Connor.
2014 Castellare Chianti Classico
Medium red with a purple rim, toast and a sweet perfume of violets on the nose, tight with light fruit and low tannins and acids.
2014 Santo Stefano Chianti Classico
Dark red with a light brick rim, crushed black fruit and wood notes on the nose, dusty black cherry fruit with moderate tannins and acid.
2013 Lorano Chianti Classico
Medium red, purple rim, big perfume of red cherry and baking spices, moderate red cherry fruit, balanced tannin and acids on the finish. Very drinkable.
2012 Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico
Medium red, big perfume of tar and sweet cherry, moderate red cherry fruit upfront and finishes with lip smacking tannins.
2013 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva “Montonello”
Dark red with a pretty perfume of tar and violets, big black cherry fruit with firm tannins on the finish.
2013 Castello di Radda Chianti Classico Riserva
Medium red with a brick rim with tar, leather and pencil shavings on the nose, moderate juicy fruit, sour cherry notes on the finish, moderate tannin and acid.
2013 Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva “Agostino Petri”
Medium red, toasty oak notes on the nose with red and black cherry notes on the fruit, good balance.
2012 Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva “Famiglia Zingarelli”
Dark red with a slightly closed nose of black fruit and spice, chunky red fruit with bitter cherry notes and a nice balance of tannins and acids on the finish.
2012 Vecchie Terre di Montefili Chianti Classico Riserva
Medium red with a perfume of tar, graphite, tight fruit finishing with firm tannins and tart fruit.
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