2018 San Giusto a Rentennano Le Baroncole Chianti Classico Riserva

(94 Points) The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole (made from a traditional blend of organic 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo) shows a distinctively Mediterranean or Italian personality with plenty of summer-fresh cherry, rosemary essence and lavender bud. This wine marks a break from the other beautiful wines in this estate portfolio, thanks to its ethereal freshness and lifted brightness. It finishes with silky, polished tannins. The soils see a mix of galestro and alberese with tufo and clay characteristic of this warm spot in Gaiole in Chianti. (ML) Wine Advocate, Review Date: 10/2021

WINERY NOTES

Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baroncole is made from 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo grapes. The initial stages of its production are the same as for our Chianti Classico. Then the wine is aged in cask and barrels of French for a period varying from 16 to 20 months, according to the vintage. It is then bottled and stored for a further six months. Le Baroncole is a wine of long ageing potential.

2018 Vintage

A fairly rainy spring season, more so during May and June. Even temperatures up to mid September -no peaks above the average registered - gave way to a ripening of slightly late beginnings, though steadily protracted. Rather warm weather was experienced thereafter, with steep temperature excursions favouring a fast rounding up of the fruit. The climate pattern was similar to that of year 2016, to the point that harvesting was carried out at the same time in both cases. The resulting wine proves nicely fresh and concentrated. Thinning out effected in two turns; approximately 40% of the initial spontaneous fruit load was discarded in total.