Vignamaggio - Gherardino Riserva 2016

Vignamaggio - Gherardino Riserva 2016 (89/90 TSW)

This lovely Chianti Classico Riserva Gherardino di Vignamaggio was born in vineyards in the Florentine municipality of Greve in Chianti, in the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG. A very high score from James Suckling with 94 points.

Today, Vignamaggio has about 70 hectares of vineyards, distributed over 61 vineyards in 9 different locations on both sides of the hill chain. The soils are therefore diverse. But mainly Galestro, the typical rock that runs through the entire Chianti area. Thanks to the two river valleys, the vineyards are always well ventilated and therefore less prone to mould and grape diseases. "Organic farming" is not only practiced in the vineyards, but is complemented by olive groves, fruit trees, cornfields, woods and a pig farm of the ancient "Cinta Senese" breed.

Back to the wine:

The name of the wine is dedicated to Gherardino Gherardini, founder of the great house he built at Vignamaggio in the XIV century. This wine is produced with 80-90% Sangiovese and 10-20% Merlot.  AAfter fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, the wine is aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels and an additional 3 months in the bottle before being marketed. The grapes come from the Prato vineyard (West) and the Querceto vineyard (West/south-West).

My tasting notes:

In the glass a dark ruby red color.
On the medium nose aromas of blueberries, black cherries and prunes with hints of spices, herbs, tobacco, almonds and anise.
On the palate dry, medium(+) bodied  with medium(+) acidity and chalky tannins (suggestion: first decant the wine for 1 hour and the tannins soften) Flavours are a recall of the nose with cherries, cedar, vanilla, almonds and spices. Some flowers and cherries in the medium finish.

The best is to wait for 1 or 2 years to give it more time.