Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of Sangiovese along with other complementary varietals produced as a tribute to Antinori’s historic label that has accompanied the family’s winemaking traditions over the years. The opening of the new Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery inspired the family to reinterpret this Tuscan classic into a premium wine with a unique style, the resulting Riserva is delicate, resolute and elegant.
The grapes are separated from the stems and carefully crushed, then transferred to stainless steel vessels where alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature not exceeding 30 °C (86 °F). Maceration on the skins continues for a period of approximately 12-15 days using controlled automated techniques to gently extract flavours, structure and supple tannins. The Sangiovese undergoes malolactic fermentation in inox tanks, while several lots of the other grape varieties go through second- and third-fill barriques. The different lots are blended and continue to age in oak, mostly in larger format barrels and a smaller percentage in barriques, until the spring of 2021. Bottling begins in August 2021. Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 is ruby red in color. On the nose, aromas of small red fruits and floral notes of lavender lead to spicy notes of clove and sweet tobacco. The rich bouquet is complemented by impressions of graphite, white chocolate and mint. Palate-filling notes combine with soft tannins and are supported by excellent freshness. The finish reflects aromatic notes that are also felt on the nose. Chianti Classico pairs well with: grilled meats, pasta with meat, lamb stew, pizza, pasta dishes with tomatoes and meat, anything that uses salsa verde, Tuscan olive oil, bean/chickpea soups.
