Daenna Van Mulligen looks at the 2018 vintage and select wines from 2015, 2016, 2017 The 27th annual “Chianti Classic Collection” took place as usual, in early February in Florence, Italy. Despite the Italian government checking temperatures of every person entering the country when I arrived, by the time I
Dear Santa: I have been a good boy this year. I drank up all the wine in my glass because it would be a waste to leave it when there are poor people in the world going around sober. As I sipped, I pondered. So I have a few ideas
Looking back, and ahead, with the iconic Chianti producer Lined up on the white tablecloth, the vertical Chianti tasting is a study in scarlet, from the deep ruby of the 2011 to the brick red of the 1977. It’s not every day you taste a nearly 40-year-old wine – for many
Why are wines inherently more valuable when they don't go with any food but steak? I got to thinking about this in Tuscany recently, where a helpful chart explains why "great" wines aren't actually as useful as ordinary wines. Here's the setup. Chianti Classicos are some of my favorite wines
The name Tuscany immediately conjures images of sun-drenched fields studded with ochre-stone buildings and roadside cafes in ancient hilltop villages where one can quaff vibrant red wine. But what is the name of that famous Tuscan wine we drink in our dreams? It can’t be Chianti; that’s the basic red
The nose shows red cherries, dried cherries, vanilla, and a hint of lemon zest. Tart red cherry leads on the palate. Blackberry and lemon zest peek out on the mid-palate, still dominated by cherry first, vanilla second. Acids are high, with drying tannins to match. Drink with Eggplant Parmesan. Recommended
WHO: Castell'in Villa WHAT: Sangiovese WHERE: Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Classico DESIGNATION: Riserva WHEN: 1975 SIZE: 750ml x2 RESERVE: $250 MINIMUM BID INCREMENT: $25 (Label image from a different vintage) 92 Points, Wine Advocate This is a classic wine with great reviews. It is also a tremendous bargain for two bottles