Chianti, Italy 13.5% Cork $36.99 Source: Retail
I have Mondo Imports to thank for bringing this little beauty to our shores. I’ll give you some tech specs in case you share my wine geek interest in such things. It’s 90% Sangiovese with 10% Canaiolo and Colorino. Oak maturation occurs for 12 to 15 months – half in aged Slovanian 50 hectolitre casks, the other half in 2nd use French oak barriques. The Chianti Classico has been produced since 1990, but the winery’s first vintage dates back to 1962. If you are interested, there’s plenty more great information on the website listed below.
Smells lovely straight from the bottle with a pretty, sweet rose hip jam aroma which dissipates with time in the glass. What’s left is mainly cherries, raspberries and dried oregano along with some tarry notes. A lot of the enjoyment lies in the combination of a medium/light body and a persistent & impressive intensity. Soft but vibrant acidity flows seamlessly into satisfyingly chewy tannins. There’s a fair amount of spice on a lengthy finish too. It’s an excellent wine and the value (in dollar terms) is very high.
Winery Website- http://www.castellodimonsanto.it/
Tried it, loved it. The acidity is just such an integral part of this wine – perfect with pizza. Glad to see some tech specs – didn't know the background of this wine so cheers!
Dave
Yep, I agree Dave. The acidity is key. Doesn't poke out but plays its role to perfection. Certainly a wine that would suit pizza. It worked pretty well with (lightly) herbed lamb cutlets, mash & beans too.
Glad you got something out of the tech specs. I always wonder if they are going to be appreciated or send people to sleep!
cheers
j
Glad you like the wine guys. It is so hard to keep your hands off drinking the whole bottle and it is those lovely savoury cherries, the fresh acidity and palate length that makes it so enjoyable.
We released this about 6 weeks ago and it is nearly all gone. Another shipment is due (of the same wine) in early September.
If your a big Chianti fan, try the 06 Monsanto Riserva.
cheers
Anthony
Anthony- 2 glasses for my father, rest of the bottle for myself. That was my solution to trying not to drink the whole bottle
That 06 Monsanto Riserva looks very nice. Stop tempting me
cheers
j