Carpineto farms Sangiovese across the hills between Florence and Siena, in the part of Tuscany that gave Chianti its shape. The 2019 vintage here is dry, medium in body, and built on a firm frame of tannin and high acidity.

Sangiovese, the grape of Chianti Classico.
Chianti Classico, Tuscany, central Italy.
2019, a warm and generous vintage.
13.5% alcohol, 750ml.
Dry, high tannin, high acidity.

How it is made

Chianti Classico is a defined zone, not a style. It covers the hills between Florence and Siena, and the rules require at least 80% Sangiovese in the blend. The grape is thin-skinned and late to ripen, and it holds its acidity even in warm years, which is why the wines keep a grip that softer reds lose.

How it tastes

Red cherry and plum lead, then leather and dried herbs come through behind them. The tannins are firm and the acidity is high, so the fruit reads bright rather than sweet. The finish is long and savory, with the grip lasting longer than the fruit.

Good to know

The Classico zone is the original Chianti, drawn in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, and the black rooster on the neck of the bottle is the mark of it. Sangiovese is also the base of Brunello di Montalcino, grown a short distance south.

Contains alcohol.