Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva – 2019

Castell’in Villa is one of the most important and renowned wine estates in Chianti, based in the beautiful, hilly countryside just outside Castelnuovo Berardenga. It was rated one of only 3 “1er Grand Cru Classé A” equivalent estates in Chianti by Walter Speller in his 2020 classification of Chianti’s top estates on Jancisrobinson.com. This 2019 vintage riserva is Walter Speller’s highest rated Chianti from this excellent vintage. You will taste few better wines than this which are made from 100% Sangiovese!

This Chianti Classico Riserva comes from 100% Sangiovese grapes from the best plots of vines in the estate. It is aged for 24-36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, then in bottle for a further 2 years before release onto the market. It is elegant, classic and hugely complex, with flavours of rich dark cherry, cigar box and spice.

“Lustrous, maturing ruby with orange tinges. Sensuous balsamic nose, not fully open yet and with hints of garden herbs. Sleek, polished and slow to emerge with raspberry fruit and tangy acidity that fits the fruit like a glove. Very long and precise, with gorgeous fine tannins. In a class of its own.” 18+/20 Walter Speller for jancisrobinson.com

“The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva is a bomb. Castell’in Villa fans will find a heady, explosive Riserva that hits all the right notes. Dark cherry, plum, new leather, cedar and grilled herbs give this broad-shouldered Riserva tons of intensity. The 2019 Riserva can be approached now, but it will be even better in a few year’s time. Superb.” 95/100 Antonio Galloni for Vinous in July 2025.