Chianti Classico, Riserva, Il Campitello, 2018

The oldest vineyard at Monteraponi, Campitello is perched at 440metres above sea level, separated from the estate’s highest vineyard by a forest. It’s water retentive clay soils yield a very fresh, complex and well-structured wine. Sangiovese is the key component, with Canaiolo and Colorino making up 10% of the blend. After a natural, spontaneous fermentation in concrete, follows a long 40 day maceration, prior to ageing in large French and Slavonian casks for at least 24 months. The 2018 is Very expressive and engaging, a really juicy, sun-ripened red berry fruit character mixed with spice, cool earth and balsamic notes; hugely appealing and generous already, at this early stage, whilst boasting a fair degree of sophistication too. Impeccably balanced, there is classic Monteraponi radiance and energy here, to add to that sumptuous, glowing ripe fruit. A Tuscan beauty.