Grape Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 10% other red grape varieties

Growing Region: Castellina in Chianti Classico, Italy

Chief Winemaker: Andrea Cecchi

TASTING NOTE:
As this wine was decanting on the dining room table, watching the herb crusted loin fillet slowly braze on the BBQ and as I placed some flat mushrooms on the grill. All I could think about was being in Tuscany, as there are few crafted wines so authentically matched with meat dishes than Italian red wine.

The Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia (Family Reserve) is certainly Cecchi's most terroir representative wine and one not to be missed. Produced only in years when the grapes reach the quality for a Chianti Classico Riserva, this wine comes from the Castellina area in Chianti Classico.

Sangiovese is the predominant grape of this wine and is seamlessly accompanied by other indigenous red grapes. Fermentation took place for approx 18 days in small capacity stainless steel tanks specifically made for the winery. The ageing is slightly more traditional taking place for 14 months in a mix of oak barrels and in French barriques. This is followed, as required by the DOCG regulations, by a period of 3 months refinement in the bottle.

In the glass the colour has an excellent clarity, with a ruby red hue. The aroma is full and substantial showing notes of ripe dark fruits, wild spices and toasty oak. On the palate, the wine has good structure, concentration and elegance with a persistent finish. Decant for 30-45mins and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this season; and will age for another 5-6 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with prime meats, game and roasted dishes with wild herbs and wine jus, enjoy.

Tuscany and tradition in a bottle.