Chianti Classico Collection 2016: Nina in Chianti in paradise
The Chianti Classico Collection wine fair for journalists and specialist retailers
In 1716, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III, a Medici, established the territorial boundaries of an appellation for the first time in the history of mankind: Chianti, today's Chianti Classico. This makes the wine region not only the oldest in the world, but this wonderful wine world between Florence and Siena is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. This was celebrated, among other things, at this year's presentation of the new vintages in the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, the Chianti Classico Collection 2016 (#CCC16).
The unique location, the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, a disused train station, was once again transformed into my personal paradise this year: 165 wineries presented a total of 587 labels, including 47 barrel samples 2015 and 70 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, as part of the Chianti Classico Collection, also known as Anteprima.
It is practically impossible to try everything, but some things are possible. At least enough to get an overview of what we can expect from the world of the Black Rooster in the coming months or years.
Here is a brief overview
The tasted 2015 barrel samples give us hope for fantastic wines with fruit, structure, balanced acidity and typicity. There is also a sparkle in the eyes of all the winemakers when they talk about the last harvest. Nice to see. The Rosato from Fattoria di Rignana is already quite drinkable, and we can hardly wait until this fresh wine is on the market.
My personal impression is that the 2014 vintage has turned a corner. Initially described by many as a "catastrophe" or "disaster", the wines developed into very drinkable and, above all, fruity examples of Chianti Classico. Obviously, the last few weeks before the harvest were the proverbial last-minute rescue. Some 2014s show a little less structure than usual, but are wonderfully fruity and fresh. At Rocca di Montegrossi and Monte Bernardi, however, the usual high quality could also be found in this vintage.
The 2013 vintage brings us wonderful wines from Chianti. All the important components are in balance: fruit, acidity, structure and body. Some wineries have already been on the market for a few months with their 2013 Chianti Classico, but most of them will only start in the next few weeks, such as Monia Piccini from the Il Palagio winery.
Most of the Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that I tasted were from the 2012 vintage, which opened up some great prospects. Some of the wines are still young or have only recently been bottled, so they still show a little "restlessness". But the most important components for expressive wines can be recognized everywhere. These wines will be able to develop perfectly over the next few weeks. I was very impressed by the Riserva from Le Fonti by Vicky Schmitt-Vitali and the Gran Selezione from Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo, both wineries from Panzano in Chianti.we will have fun!
Speed Tasting
... at Iacopo Morganti of Il Molino di Grace (Panzano in Chianti) as part of the Chianti Classico Collection 2016 | Firenze