Top 10 Chianti Classico released this year

New vintages of Chianti Classico were presented on February 2024 in Florence. I could taste 120 of them during the 2-days event. These are the Chianti Classico wines that are going to be on the market this year.

The vintage 2022 was presented for young Chianti Classico (so-called “annata”), even though some producers prefer to age their wine longer and presented the 2021 or even previous years as new release. On the contrary, Riserva and Gran Selezione typologies require more aging, hence 2021 or previous vintages were presented as wines to be released in 2024.

Since July 2023 labels of Chianti Classico can mention their origin, the so-called U.G.A. (additional Geographical Unit). Only the Gran Selezione can have it to be honest, but it is a remarkable novelty for consumers who can be better informed about territorial origin of the Chianti Classico. The total surface of the DOCG Chianti Classico is distinguished into 11 units and each of them has certain common features in terms of tradition and natural factors. I have added the respective U.G.A. for each selected wine, even when it is not specified on the label.

My TOP 10 Chianti Classico released in 2024 (among all the 120 wines tasted in February) were the following:

1. Castello di Monsanto – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio 2019 (from SAN DONATO)
   Very elegant, has a floral impact followed by freshness of fruit and herbs. Delicate but flavorful on the palate, fine tannins come along with savory acidity and a sustained finish.
2. Istine – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Casanova dell’Aia 2021 (from RADDA)
   Characterful, with iris, pink grapefruit, red cherry, star anise, hint of coffee beans. Silky and vibrant with juicy acidity.
3. Castello Vicchiomaggio – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Le Bolle 2020 (from GREVE)
   Fruity and detailed nose with spices and herbs too. Very precise and refined. Has very beautiful tannins and savory finish.
4. Riecine – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Gittori 2021 (from GAIOLE)
   Very classical with violet, red cherry, blood orange, apricot then herbs and spices. Delicious acidity and minerality come along with polished tannins. Lingering vigorous finish.
5. Conti Capponi – Vigna Calcinaia – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Bastignano 2020 (from MONTEFIORALLE)
   Refined nose with raspberry, black cherry, candied citron, thyme and rhubarb. Firm lively tannins infuse a sense of energy.
6. Castell’in Villa – Chianti Classico Riserva 2017 (from CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA)
   Pronounced with baked cherry and tobacco, then forest floor, lavender and black tea. Vigorous tannins give it an austere character and a long potential for aging.
7. Monteraponi – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 (from RADDA)
   Classy nose with crisp red cherry and flowers together with citrus fruit, star anise, cloves, medicinal herbs. Full-bodied, savory, juicy with fine-grained tannins.
8. Castello di Fonterutoli – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badiòla 20231 (from RADDA)
   Characterful. Fully open with dark cherry, blueberry, petals, spices and chocolate. Bold and savory taste with ripe chewy tannins and sustained finish.
9. Castello di Cacchiano – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Millennio 2020 (from GAIOLE)
   Alluring nose with raspberry, pomegranate, mint, thyme, anise, tea leaves and spices. Precious acidity and lively tannins give lot of energy to the mouthfeel.
10. Bibbiano – Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigne di Montornello 2020 (from CASTELLINA)
    Rich nose with plum, black cherry, herbs, cloves and cinnamon. Savory and slender; precious acidity and silky tannins are the key of a very charming taste.