Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva

  • Chianti Classico DOCG, 
  • Tuscany, 
  • italy

Latest Awards

  • 92 points Wine Advocate , September 2023
  • 91 points James Suckling , September 2023
Background

Stewards of Chianti Classico, Castello di Verrazzano has played an indelible role in Tuscan winemaking and American history. Owners Luigi and Silvia Cappellini pour their passion into the estate, producing traditional, organic wines that deservedly enjoy an incredibly loyal following around the world. A founding member of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico, Verrazzano has made wine since the earliest times. The property occupies the site of former Etruscan and Roman settlements and was home to the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who was the first to discover America’s east coast, landing at the bay of New York in the early 16th century.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

Since acquiring the estate, the Cappellini family has replanted Verrazzano’s vineyards, which fan out from the forest limits down to the valley below. They farm organically and have been certified since the 2014 vintage. Located on a hilltop in the Greve, the heart of Chianti Classico, Verrazzano’s 220 acre estate includes 128 acres of vineyards at altitudes between 920 and 1300 feet above sea level, higher than average for Chianti Classico vineyards. Though present in southern parts of the Classico area, limestone is unique to Verrazzano which is in the cooler, northern part of the zone. This singular combination of limestone soil and cooler growing conditions accounts for the wine’s muscularity and finesse. The true lifeblood of the vineyards comes from the surrounding Verrazzano-owned woodland area, which acts as a cocoon for the vines, offering pollution protection and maintaining freshness. In addition, the entire winery is heated by wood from these forests.

Winemaking & Aging

Grapes from selected portions of the Verrazzano vineyards are harvested by hand in the first half of October and undergo a 8-12 day maceration period. The wine is aged 24 months in new French oak barrels and bottle-aged six months prior to release.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color, bright, with light garnet reflections. The nose offers aromas of red ripe fruits, followed by hints of tobacco, black pepper, and sweet wood, that become more complex with maturity. Smooth and elegant with opulent flavors of ripe plums, sour cherries, and other red berry fruit. Extended aging produces beautiful complexity and finesse.

92
Points

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. - M.L.

Wine Advocate - September 2023

91
Points

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. – M.M.

Decanter - February 2023

91
Points

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. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. -J.S.

James Suckling - September 2023

Appellation

Chianti Classico DOCG

grape varieties

95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 14.5%
  • TA: 5.15 g/l
  • RS: <2 g/l
  • Ph: 3.6
  • Closure: Cork
  • Vegan
winemaker

Luigi Cappellini Silvia Cappellini

Castello di Verrazzano

Exploring the Full Range of High-Quality Castello di Verrazzano Wines

Chianti Classico Riserva Chianti Classico Riserva

Our Wines

Hand-selected, exceptional wines that deliver quality and enjoyment at every level.

Our Spirits

A distinctive selection of artisanal spirits that inspire creativity and exploration.

logo-monogram
Our latest Notes

From the PBI Journal