{"title":"Italy | Chianti","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Winery located atop the rolling hills of Chianti in Tuscany\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Collection_Banner_aab08385-6123-492b-bebe-3004623c159b.jpg?v=1647084047\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated in the region of Tuscany in central Italy, Chianti - based on the Sangiovese grape - is arguably Italy's most famous red wine. The winemaking zone of Chianti is located between the cities of Florence (to the north) and Siena (to the south) and stretches into the provinces of Arezzo, Pisa, Pistoia and Prato. Chianti was established as a DOC in 1967 and then the region was promoted to DOCG - the highest level of Italian wine classification - in 1984. However, the guidelines for its production date back to 1716 when the Grand Duke Cosimo Medici III officially demarcated the first Chianti wine zone, making Chianti the first ever appellation in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best, basic Chianti wines, are full of juicy cherry, raspberry and plummy fruit flavours alongside savoury notes, wild herbs, spices and well-structured tannins. The Chianti DOCG comprises seven sub-appellations covering the areas surrounding Chianti Classico. These are Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Sensi, Montalbano, Montespertoli and Rufina, which is generally considered as the finest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe regions most highly regarded wines come from Chianti Classico, which was established as a subzone of the Chianti DOC in 1967 and was awarded a separate DOCG status in 1996. As in other Italian regions, the Chianti Classico designation roughly corresponds to the original (and so theoretically the best) area of production in the Chianti hills as set out by the Grand Duke Cosimo Medici III in the early 1700s. The Gallo Nero, or Black Rooster, is the historic symbol of Chianti wines and the trademark seal for Chianti Classico wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting from the 2010 vintage the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione category was created as the highest quality level in the region. It was initially designed to get the same reputation of the 'Super Tuscans'. Grapes for these wines must be estate grown and the wine aged for at least 30 months, three of which must be in bottle. It must also be approved by a special tasting panel of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, Chianti was required to have a small proportion of white grapes in its blend, usually from Malvasia or Trebbiano; however, since 2006 the use of white grapes has been prohibited. Since 1996, Chianti wines must contain a minimum of 70 percent Sangiovese. This rises to 80 percent for Chianti Classico DOCG and above. The native grape varieties of Canaiolo and Colorino are also permitted in the final blend, as are the international varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The 1996 rule changes allowed wine producers to release pure Sangiovese Chianti wines, focusing on the flagship Tuscan grape variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst not without controversy, the recent changes in regulations have led to an increase in pride and confidence of the Chianti brand and many producers are now beginning to return their flagship wines to Chianti Classico or Gran Selezione status, rather than a simple Toscana IGT red wine. As such, Chianti in the 21st century is now a source of truly world-class wines and has finally managed to shed its long-associated image of mediocre quaffing wine presented in fiaschi (the squat, straw-covered bottles).\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vignamaggio-chianti-classico-terre-di-prenzano","title":"Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Terre di Prenzano 2022","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVignamaggio's Chianti Classico Terre di Prenzano is made from 100% Sangiovese that see's approximately one year in large wooden casks and then several further months in bottle prior to release. The resulting wine is classic Chianti Classico with intense trademark Sangiovese cherry and raspberry fruits to the fore.[#intro]Classic, intense, Chianti Classico from world renown Vignamaggio...[\/intro]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vignamaggio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14873484001338,"sku":"A22VIGNAMAGGIOCC-1","price":19.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ClassicoBottle.jpg?v=1616618455"},{"product_id":"vignamaggio-chianti-classico-gran-selezione-riserva-di-monna-lisa","title":"Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Monna Lisa 2019","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eVilla Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Monna Lisa is the estates finest red wine named in honour of Leonardo da Vinci's muse, Mona Lisa, who it is said was born at the estate in 1479. Produced only in the best years the wine is a blend of Sangiovese (85%) alongside portions of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged partly in French oak barrels for 18-20 months and partly in larger barrels. The minimum aging is 30 months, of which at least 3 in the bottle. The final wine is a deep ruby red in colour with an intense nose of wild berries and a hint of oak. The palate is concentrated, smooth and silky. This is a wonderful red wine that oozes class and elegance.[#intro]A seductive and concentrated, top flight red from picturesque Tuscan estate, Villa Vignamaggio...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vignamaggio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14884162928698,"sku":"A17VIGNAMAGGIOGSML-1","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/MonaLisaBottle.jpg?v=1616619438"},{"product_id":"vignamaggio-chianti-classico-riserva-gherardino","title":"Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Gherardino 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico Riserva is dedicated to the noble Gherardini family, founders of the picture-perfect Vignamaggio estate back in the 14th Century. This is an intense and enveloping Chianti, ruby red in colour with shades of garnet. Fruity nose of sour cherries, blackberries and ripe cherries, tobacco and spices. On the palate, forest fruits with soft and bright tannins and a liquorice finish. The 10% Merlot added to the blend provides a supple silkiness and elegant tannins, paired down by mineral freshness.[#intro]A supple, silky Riserva Chianti Classico dedicated to the noble Gherardini family who founded the estate...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vignamaggio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22786830598202,"sku":"A22VIGNAMAGCCRISERVA-1","price":24.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/RiservaBottle.jpg?v=1611760120"},{"product_id":"antinori-peppoli-chianti-classico","title":"Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards of the Pèppoli estate are located 5 kilometres north east of Antinori's Tignanello estate in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The estate has 50 hectares (123 acres) of vines from which it produces the Pèppoli Chianti Classico DOCG red wine. Péppoli was first produced in 1985 and since 2013 a part of the crop has been fermented and aged in the Antinori Chianti Classico cellars. Ruby red in colour Pèppoli Chianti Classico offer intense fruity notes of cherries and red currants on the nose along with integrated hints of violets and a light touch of toasted oak. The palate is fresh and savoury with supple tannins.[#products]vignamaggio-chianti-classico-terre-di-prenzano,castello-di-nipozzano-chianti-rufina-riserva-red-wine,querciabella-chianti-classico,villa-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva[\/products][#intro]A typical floral and fruity Chianti Classico from the renown Antinori stable...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Standard (75cl)","offer_id":57797256905085,"sku":"A24PEPPOLICC-1","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Half Bottle (37.5cl)","offer_id":57797256937853,"sku":"A23PEPPOLICC-2","price":12.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/PeppoliBottle.jpg?v=1603711661"},{"product_id":"marchese-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva-tenuta-tignanello","title":"Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is a historic wine of the Antinori cellars and since 2011, is produced solely from the grapes of the Tignanello estate. Tenuta Tignanello is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico production zone, nestled between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers. The vineyards consist principally of the native Sangiovese grape alongside non-traditional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is an intense ruby red in colour, the wine’s nose shows ripe red fruit along with sustained sensations of vanilla and spices. The palate is ample and enveloping, balanced and vigorous with soft and silky tannins and the finish and aftertaste and long and persistent.[#intro]A superb Chianti Classico Riserva produced solely from grapes of the Tignanello estate...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Standard (75cl)","offer_id":57798731071869,"sku":"A22ANTINORICCR-1","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Magnum (1.5L)","offer_id":57798731104637,"sku":"A21ANTINORICCR-2","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Tignanello_CC_R.jpg?v=1554746209"},{"product_id":"badia-a-passignano-chianti-classico-gran-selezione","title":"Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eAntinori's Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced exclusively from the finest Sangiovese grapes harvested from its namesake vineyard located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The region has been respected and appreciated for its outstanding wine production since the year 1000. The vineyards grow at an altitude of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level on soils rich in limestone with a fair amount of clay. The wine is aged in the historic cellars under the Badia (abbey) of Passignano that dates back to the 10th century. Badia a Passignano 2018 is ruby red in colour. Its complex nose presents intense notes of ripe red fruit, especially sour and black cherries, that merge with sweet hints of blueberries and apricots. Its bouquet is completed by pleasant balsamic sensations of aromatic herbs and toasted aromas of chocolate, coffee, liquorice and vanilla. On the palate it’s rich, mouth filling, succulent and flavourful yet well sustained by extraordinary freshness and mineral qualities. These characteristics, combined with a sweet aftertaste, give the wine length and a lingering flavour profile. This has excellent ageing potential.[#intro]Produced exclusively from the finest Sangiovese grapes harvested from its namesake vineyard...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31068611149891,"sku":"A20BADIAPASSIGNANO-1","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Badia_Passignano_CC.jpg?v=1572976548"},{"product_id":"villa-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva","title":"Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of Sangiovese together with other complementary grape varieties produced as a tribute to Antinori’s historic label that has accompanied the family’s winemaking traditions over the years. The inauguration of the new Antinori winery in Chianti Classico inspired the family to reinterpret this Tuscan classic into a premium quality wine with unmistakable style, the resulting Riserva is delicate, decisive and elegant. Ruby red in colour, the nose shows intensely fruity notes of ripe cherries, red currants, and wild berry fruit along with well integrated notes of toasted oak and tobacco, and a touch of balsamic sensations. The palate is ample and enveloping, savoury, soft in its tannins and velvety in texture. The finish and aftertaste are long and persistent. [#intro]With unmistakable style, Villa Antinori's Chianti Classico Riserva is delicate, decisive and elegant...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31068654862403,"sku":"A22VILLAANTINORICCR-1","price":28.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Villa_Antinori_CC_R.jpg?v=1572977797"},{"product_id":"marchese-antinori-vinsanto-del-chianti-classico","title":"Marchese Antinori Vinsanto del Chianti Classico 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eVinsanto production in Tuscany and in the Chianti Classico region dates back to the Middle Ages. Observing traditional methods and strict production regulations, Vinsanto Tenute Marchese Antinori is produced from selected Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes sourced exclusively from various Antinori proprietary estates in Chianti Classico. They were then placed manually on straw mats in the drying facility of the Tignanello estate and left to dry and raisin until December. At the end of this period of natural drying, the grapes were given a delicate pressing to best conserve all their flavour and aroma and the must went into small barrels of different sizes, from 13 to 52 gallons and coopered from various types of wood. There a long, slow, and often interrupted fermentation took place. The wine aged in barrel for three years and the various barrels were then blended and bottled. A deep amber in colour with golden highlights, the wine shows sweet aromas of walnuts and hazelnuts, chestnuts along with honey with subtle notes of citrus fruit in the background. The flavour is full, honeyed and is well supported by a vigorous and tonic acidity. [#intro]Liquid gold from Tuscany. A rich, nutty elixir of dried fruit, honey \u0026amp; centuries of tradition...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31068683796547,"sku":"A20ANTINORIVINSANTO","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Vin_Santo.jpg?v=1572979101"},{"product_id":"villa-antinori-chianti-classico-riserva-magnum-150cl","title":"Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva | Magnum (150cl)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of Sangiovese together with other complementary grape varieties produced as a tribute to Antinori’s historic label that has accompanied the family’s winemaking traditions over the years. The inauguration of the new Antinori winery in Chianti Classico inspired the family to reinterpret this Tuscan classic into a premium quality wine with unmistakable style, the resulting Riserva is delicate, decisive and elegant. Ruby red in colour, the nose shows intensely fruity notes of ripe cherries, red currants, and wild berry fruit along with well integrated notes of toasted oak and tobacco, and a touch of balsamic sensations. The palate is ample and enveloping, savoury, soft in its tannins and velvety in texture. The finish and aftertaste are long and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antinori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31084885246019,"sku":"A21VILLAANTINORICC150CL","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/VillaAntinoriCCRMagnum.jpg?v=1669210129"},{"product_id":"monte-bernardi-chianti-classico-riserva","title":"Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Riserva is an elegant and rich expression of Chianti Classico made from Sangiovese (95%) and Canaiolo Nero (5%) grapes. This Chianti Classico Riserva originates from vineyards which are now over 40 years in age, planted in soils of friable shale and limestone. Fermentation and maceration on the skins takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak vats. It is then aged for at least 24 months in oak casks and a further 3 months in bottle prior to release. Bottled un-filtered, a fine deposit may form naturally in the bottle without diminishing the integrity of the wine. This is a fruity, aromatic Sangiovese based wine with soft, fine tannins. A medium to full-bodied, well-balanced wine which can be enjoyed upon release, but will reward significantly with ageing.[#intro]An elegant, rich \u0026amp; organic expression of Chianti Classico Riserva from a fine Tuscan estate...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Monte Bernardi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32213436891203,"sku":"A20BERNARDICCR-1","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/CCRiservaBottle.jpg?v=1606560595"},{"product_id":"isole-e-olena-chianti-classico","title":"Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Isole e Olena estate is located in the heart of Chianti Classico, it covers 320 hectares, of which 55 are planted with vines and 45 with olives. The vines are planted on galestro soil at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level and face south west. The oldest vines on the estate were planted in 1958 and the youngest in 2007. Paolo De Marchi was one of the first producers in Chianti Classico to plant high density vineyards with new lower yielding clones of Sangiovese in the 1980s. In many cases he returned to the poor soils on hillside sites that had been abandoned when quantity took precedent over quality. As a result, Paolo gets better grapes, and hence better wines. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with 12 days of maceration, délestage (or 'rack and return') and pumping-over twice a day. De Marchi first experimented with the délestage method in 1996 and subsequently began using it for all red wines from the 1997 vintage. Maturation lasted one year and took place in 225 litre barrel (of which 5% was new oak) and 4,000 and 2700 litre oak casks. The wine is then bottled and released after three to four months of bottle ageing. The Isole e Olena Chianti Classico, a blend of Sangiovese (83%), Canaiolo (15%) and Syrah (2%), is crimson in colour with typical sour cherry and bramble notes. The palate has a supple, lithe character full of perfumed fruit and is given depth by a mineral vein. Structure comes from the taut acidity and tannin structure. [#intro]An elegant Chianti Classico, full of perfumed fruit, with depth, structure \u0026amp; minerality...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isole e Olena","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39414337634371,"sku":"A22ISOLEEOLENACC-1","price":34.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ChiantiClassicoBottle.jpg?v=1621763746"},{"product_id":"fontodi-chianti-classico","title":"Fontodi Chianti Classico 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted by one of the most respected estates in the Panzano region, the Fontodi Chianti Classico 2022 is a masterclass in authoritative winemaking. Cultivated in the renowned Conca d'Oro amphitheatre, this premium Italian red wine expresses unparalleled depth, offering a magnificent narrative of dark cherries, crushed violets, and refined savoury undertones. It stands as a brilliant addition to any serious red wine collection, promising an exquisite tasting experience that speaks directly to the historic heart of authentic Tuscan viticulture.[#intro]This exceptional organic Sangiovese captures the profound, sun-drenched soul of the classic Tuscan terroir...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fontodi","offers":[{"title":"Standard (75cl)","offer_id":57755441791357,"sku":"A22FONTODICC-1","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Half Bottle (37.5cl)","offer_id":57755441824125,"sku":"A21FONTODICC-2","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ChiantiBottle.jpg?v=1622056704"},{"product_id":"selvapiana-vigneto-bucerchiale-chianti-rufina-riserva","title":"Selvapiana 'Vigneto Bucerchiale' Chianti Rufina Riserva 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrancesco Giuntini created 'Vigneto Bucerchiale' - a single vineyard expression of Chianti Rufina Riserva - with Franco Bernabei in 1979. Together, they wanted to produce a wine to best represent the character and quality of Rufina and in particular Selvapiana Sangiovese. The grapes are grown organically in the 12.5 hectares Bucerchiale vineyard on the ancient Selvapiana estate.The oldest part of the vineyard was planted in 1968 and the youngest in 2001. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and cement tanks. Maturation lasts for approximately 15 months in medium-sized oak casks and French oak barriques (10% new) before bottling. Only produced in the best vintages this wine shows tremendous depth of colour with great intensity on the nose. The palate is powerful and fruit packed with ripe raspberry and spicy cherry fruit, supported by a touch of herbs and violets, robust tannins and a long, fine finish which is the hallmark of the Selvapiana wines. [#intro]Outstanding single vineyard expression of Chianti Rufina Riserva only produced in the best vintages...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Selvapiana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39804106866755,"sku":"A22SELVAPIANABUCERCHIALE","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ChiantiRiservaBottle.jpg?v=1645960133"},{"product_id":"selvapiana-chianti-rufina","title":"Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rufina zone is the smallest in Chianti (about 600 hectares of vineyard) but also one of the most special. The cool breeze that blows down the Sieve Valley gives the best wines a finesse and definition that few in Chianti Classico can match, and there is no better producer in Rufina than Selvapiana, which has been in the family of Francesco Giuntini since 1827. Grapes for the Chianti Rufina were both hand and machine harvested. Fermentation took place partly in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and partly in cement tanks. The wine was aged for 12 months in a mixture of French oak barrels and cement tanks before blending and bottling. Vibrant ruby red in colour, this wine has aromas of ripe blackberry and red cherry, with a hint of spice. The palate is ripe and juicy but still elegant and true to Selvapiana’s classic style, with a tight structure and lifted, floral finish that is balanced perfectly by refreshing acidity.[#intro]The best Chianti Rufina display a finesse \u0026amp; definition few in Chianti Classico can match...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Selvapiana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39845534957635,"sku":"A23SELVAPIANACR","price":21.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/ChiantiBottle_09e30f38-4aca-4e52-bc2a-f8fa659f2dde.jpg?v=1647019913"},{"product_id":"santa-cristina-chianti-superiore","title":"Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Antinori family released their first wine under the Santa Cristina name in 1946 and since then Santa Cristina has been a byword for quality and value in Tuscany. Based in the historic town of Cortona, Santa Cristina established a new winery in 2006 to strengthen and renew the tradition of crafting its eponymous wine 60 years after the first vintage in 1946. The Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore is crafted in an appellation that boasts almost a century of history; it is a wine with soft velvety tannins and a refreshing palate that is profoundly connected to the territory where it is produced. Ruby red in colour the Chianti Superiore offers rich, fruity aromas of morello cherries, aromatic herbs and balsamic sensations. Its palate is soft, mouth filling with velvety tannins and a long savoury finish.[#intro]For 70 years Santa Cristina has become a byword for quality \u0026amp; value in Tuscany...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Santa Cristina","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39895159341123,"sku":"A22SANTACRISTINACHIANTI","price":18.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/SantaCristinaBottle.jpg?v=1649676008"},{"product_id":"querciabella-chianti-classico-gran-selezione","title":"Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2007 Querciabella embarked upon a Single-cru project to identify their best vineyards in Chianti Classico. Through the finest winemaking practices and ideal maturation, the intention was to reflect the particular influence of origin on the texture, flavour, and character of the resulting Sangiovese bottlings'. Vintage after vintage, they have continued to explore the qualities of Sangiovese discreetly but determinedly, advocating for a change in the rules that govern the Chianti Classico appellation that would allow the provenance of the vineyard under the emblem of the Black Rooster. Subsequently, 2017 was the first release of Querciabella Gran Selezione, pure Sangiovese with a vital connection to a specific vineyard site. Its unique character captures the Genius Loci of the hillside of Ruffoli, on the eastern side of the valley above Greve in Chianti, whilst depicting a grander portrait of Chianti Classico itself. At the winery the Sangiovese grapes are gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Once the fermentation is complete, the cap is fully submerged using the traditional Piemontese technique, with full skin contact for about five weeks. Malolactic fermentation naturally occurs in French oak barriques and tonneaux; then, the wine is racked into bigger oak vessels (25–30 hl) for smoother integration and tannin development where it matures slowly for a further 18 months. Dark berries and blue fruit aromas seasoned with creamy oak spices. It is very concentrated with a very firm yet polished tannic structure, showing an attractive finesse. It is lively, bright and youthful. This complex and articulate wine is drinking beautifully at present but will benefit from time in the bottle evolving graciously for well over a decade. [#intro]Querciabella Gran Selezione beautifully showcases Sangiovese’s natural vitality \u0026amp; the capacity for ageing...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Querciabella","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41003555323971,"sku":"A18QUERCIABELLACCGS-1","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/GranSelezioneBt.jpg?v=1709752237"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Collection_Image_89f5bc2e-0d49-4758-9d75-d7d8188d2520.jpg?v=1647084812","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/italy-chianti\/chianti.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}