Wines Chianti Classico Castello di Monsanto - Riserva - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a distinguished red wine from the heart of Tuscany, offering an emblematic expression of the region’s celebrated winemaking tradition. This Riserva is predominantly composed of Sangiovese, the signature grape of Chianti, occasionally complemented by a small addition of indigenous varietals like Canaiolo or Colorino to enhance structure and complexity. The 2021 vintage benefited from a well-balanced growing season, providing excellent ripeness and freshness. Ageing typically occurs in a mix of large oak casks and smaller barrels, imparting both subtle oak nuances and preserving the grape’s vibrant fruit character. The result is a wine of enticing ruby red colour, with aromas of ripe cherries, violets, hints of tobacco and dried herbs, and a palate marked by finely poised acidity, well-integrated tannins, and a lingering, elegant finish.

The Chianti Classico region, nestled between Florence and Siena, enjoys a unique landscape of rolling hills, cypress avenues, and medieval villages. The climate is predominantly continental, with warm, sunny days and cool nights that promote slow, even maturation of the grapes. Soils here are rich in galestro (friable schist) and alberese (limestone), lending the wines their trademark minerality and finesse. Chianti Classico boasts a long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages, with the current DOCG status representing the highest level of quality designation in Italian wine law.

This Riserva’s balance of freshness and structure makes it remarkably food friendly. It pairs beautifully with classic Tuscan cuisine such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), wild boar ragù with pappardelle, or roasted game birds. For a vegetarian pairing, try grilled vegetables topped with pecorino Toscano or a rich mushroom risotto, both of which highlight the wine’s earthy undertones. Traditional Italian cured meats and mature cheeses are also excellent companions.

For optimal appreciation, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to tasting will allow the bouquet to fully open and the tannins to soften, revealing the wine’s remarkable depth and complexity.