Chianti Classico Collection 2018: Cheers to the new vintages!
Statione Leopolda
Earlier this week, I spent two days at the “Chianti Classico Collection” – the trade fair for Chianti Classico – in Florence. Putting all my taste buds and scent receptors to work, I sampled the latest vintages from tons of winemakers. And I can tell you right away: Wow, wow, wow, and wow again! Because what's coming our way is seriously good – or better yet, seriously drinkable!
I have to kick things off with a big statement: This year's fair had a record number of exhibitors. An incredible 186 wineries from Chianti Classico presented their wines at “Stazione Leopolda” in 2018. This really shows how important the whole region and its products are. Typically, winemakers present their latest products at the annual “Chianti Classico Collection”. So, this year's focus was on the 2015 and 2016 vintages.
Basically, we can say this: Two truly amazing vintages were in the spotlight! Part of the reason? Both years had balanced weather – not too hot, not too cold, with just the right amount of rain. Aromawise, expect lots of red berries: You can look forward to juicy sour cherries and perfectly ripe late-summer cherries. You'll also find dark red berries – especially strawberries on your palate and nose in the 2016 wines. This is all rounded out by redcurrants, blackcurrants, and blueberries. Spicy hints of pepper add a special touch.
2015 Vintage: Typical and fantastic Chianti Classico!
In 2015, everything lined up perfectly for a great vintage: healthy grapes, and lots of them! The result? Well-balanced wines that tend to be on the spicier side. Depending on the winery, you'll find a bit more or a bit less fruit sweetness and tannins. But always with those classic Chianti Classico aromas. All in all, a fantastic vintage!
2016 Vintage: This is going to be a joy to drink!
The 2016 vintage, which isn't fully bottled yet, was often shown as a barrel sample at the fair. These wines are still a bit lively and edgy right now, but already super approachable. A few more weeks of aging in the barrel and bottle will smooth out those rough edges and make the wines a bit softer overall. But one thing's for sure: The 2016 is going to be one of the nicest vintages we've seen in ages. So you can already get excited for lots of delicious sips! Following the usual vintage timeline, the 2014 Riserva would have been ready for sale by now. But because of the tricky weather in summer 2014, many wineries decided not to make a Riserva that year. The grapes were instead used for the Chianti Classico. And that's why there's not much to say about the Riserva this year...
My Fair Highlight: The Gran Selezione Le Bambole from Il Palagio di Panzano
My personal highlight from the fair is a slightly older wine: More precisely, the 2013 Le Bambole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG from the Il Palagio di Panzano winery. With this wine, Monia Piccini, who owns Il Palagio, showed the international wine press a Gran Selezione that totally stands out from the crowd. Or, in my words: This 100% Sangiovese is seriously impressive! Quick tip: Stock up! Because this wine can easily be stored for 25 years, no problem. Plus, this exclusive gem is only produced in very small amounts. In the coming weeks, the 2013
Chianti Classico Collection 2018