Chianti Riserva (2021)

About this wine

This 2021 Chianti Riserva is built primarily on Sangiovese, with Canaiolo and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. On the nose it offers red cherry, plum and a hint of violet, followed by subtle spice and gentle oak. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity, smooth but present tannins, and concentrated dark fruit that finishes with a touch of cocoa and dried herb. The producer ages the Riserva in large Slavonian oak for about a year which helps round the texture without overpowering the fruit. The wine is bottled at 12.5 percent alcohol and is released under the Chianti DOCG Riserva designation, reflecting selection and extended aging.

About the grape

Sangiovese is the backbone of this Chianti Riserva, a Tuscan variety cultivated for centuries for its high acidity and cherry driven character, it became the dominant grape in the region after Ricasoli promoted Sangiovese based blends and modern DOCG rules require a large Sangiovese component in Chianti. Canaiolo is the traditional supporting grape, long used in Chianti to add fruitiness and soften Sangiovese, it was prized for its ability to be used in the old governo technique and fell out of favor after phylloxera because it did not graft well, yet many producers like Villa Puccini still include it for balance. Cabernet Sauvignon is a later import to Tuscany that found a place in Chianti as an international variety that brings structure and color, it is permitted in Chianti blends and in this bottling is used in small amounts to reinforce tannic backbone and aging potential. In Villa Puccini wines these grapes are managed with traditional Tuscan viticultural methods and careful oak aging practices, for example the producer notes ageing in Slavonian oak to integrate the varieties and respect the Chianti Riserva style.

Quick facts

• 🎼 The Villa Puccini label is tied to the composer Giacomo Puccini because the brand takes its name from his former residence, giving the wine an operatic backstory
• 🍇 The 2021 Riserva is a mostly Sangiovese blend, with roughly 85 percent Sangiovese, 10 percent Canaiolo and about 5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
• 🌍 Villa Puccini sources fruit from multiple vineyard parcels across Tuscany rather than a single estate, which lets the winemaker mix microclimates for a consistent house style
• 🕰️ This Chianti Riserva is often aged in oak for around 24 months before release, which is longer than many entry level Chiantis and adds a pronounced baked spice character
• 🏅 The 2021 vintage received accessible acclaim, earning a solid score from professional tasters and helping cement Villa Puccini as a reliable value driven Chianti Riserva

Palate profile

Producer

Villa Puccini is a renowned winery located in Tuscany, Italy, celebrated for its dedication to producing wines that embody the region's rich viticultural heritage. The winery sources grapes from diverse vineyard parcels across Tuscany, including areas like Chianti Classico and the coastal Maremma, allowing for a harmonious blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. This approach results in wines that are both authentic and accessible, reflecting the unique terroir of each sub-region. The Castellani family, owners of Villa Puccini, have been instrumental in upholding these traditions while embracing innovation in their winemaking processes.