Chianti Classico Riserva (1997)

About this wine

The 1997 Le Bocce Chianti Classico Riserva presents a harmonious blend of dark cherry and cocoa flavors, complemented by subtle spice notes. This wine offers a long and flavorful finish, making it appealing for current consumption. The 1997 vintage in Tuscany is renowned for producing some of the greatest wines ever made in the region.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jupiter," is the primary grape in Chianti wines, known for its high acidity and tannins, which contribute to the wine's structure and aging potential. Canaiolo, once the dominant grape in Chianti blends, is valued for its ability to soften Sangiovese's tannins and add fruity notes, making the wine more approachable. Historically, Canaiolo's resilience to drying made it ideal for the "governo" method, a technique used to ensure complete fermentation by adding partially dried grapes. Over time, Sangiovese became the leading grape in Chianti, but Canaiolo remains an important blending partner, enhancing the wine's balance and complexity.

Quick facts

• 🍒 The 1997 vintage of Le Bocce Chianti Classico Riserva was highly acclaimed, with Wine Spectator awarding it a 90-point rating, highlighting its intense aromas of crushed cherries and fruit.
• 🐓 Chianti Classico wines, like Le Bocce, are distinguished by the black rooster (gallo nero) seal on the bottle neck, symbolizing their authenticity and membership in the Chianti Classico Consortium.
• 📜 The Chianti Classico region, where Le Bocce is produced, was officially delimited in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, making it one of the world's oldest officially recognized wine regions.
• 🍇 Le Bocce Chianti Classico Riserva is crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes, known for their high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's aging potential and complex flavor profile.
• 🕰️ The term 'Riserva' indicates that Le Bocce Chianti Classico has undergone extended aging, with a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels and an additional 3 months in the bottle, enhancing its depth and character.

Palate profile

Producer

Le Bocce is a historic winery located in Panzano in Chianti, within Italy's renowned Chianti Classico region. The estate preserves its original medieval village structure, meticulously restored to honor traditional materials and construction techniques. Situated on the edge of Florentine lands bordering Siena, Le Bocce benefits from a unique terroir characterized by marl, silt, and clay soils, contributing to the production of elegant and balanced wines. The winery is committed to sustainable practices, cultivating Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo grapes to craft wines that reflect the rich heritage of Chianti Classico.