Chianti Classico, Riserva, Il Campitello, 2019

Along with 2006 and 2016, Michele and Ale make no bones about the fact that they consider 2019 in their trio of best vintages ever. So fragrant and moreish and sophisticated, with fine fresh tannins, intense but all on the red fruits with complex spices and a long stony finish. Super elegant and only 13.5% ABV. Hard to find fault in this. Chianti at its finest. The oldest vineyard at Monteraponi, at 55 years old, Campitello is perched at 440m 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, then ageing in large French and Slavonian casks for 26 months.