2016 will surely go down as one of the finest vintages for Tuscan wine for many years. Querciabella, the masters of sub-regions and parcel differentiation in Chianti, produced a phenomenal Chianti Riserva in 2016.
Querciabella, in Italian, means “beautiful oak” and their vineyards in Ruffoli and Radda are surrounded by them. A beautiful balancing act of crisp, inviting acidity, pure varietal red fruits (cherry) flavour and character deriving from sourcing the grapes from top sites in three of the the denomination’s best sub-zones. A wine and food lovers’ delight.
Highly rated:
"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is an attractive wine built on aromatics and structure, with the fruit more in the background. It will be interesting to see if it fleshes out with more time in bottle. Sweet red cherry, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice gradually develop in the glass, but the 2016 remains quite reticent. It will be interesting to see if time in bottle brings out more depth. Today, the 2016 is decidedly shy. I very much like the energy here." Antonio Galloni 93+
"Beautiful, concentrated ruby. Quite closed and backward, but subtle and complex on the nose. Bags of concentrated fruit and yet super-elegant palate. Vibrant with perfectly built, long, fine tannins. Refreshing and complex." Walter Speller MW of Jancis Robinson 18/20
Food Pairing: Chinese styled roast duck or duck/pork rillettes.
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Region: Chianti Classico
Abv: 14%