Viniou Reviews
The Antinori Chianti Classico Villa Riserva 2015 is a red wine representative of both its noble Tuscan origins and the esteemed Antinori house. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, often complemented by small amounts of traditional local varieties such as Canaiolo and Colorino, this cuvée delivers a fine expression of the Chianti Classico style. The 2015 vintage was marked by excellent weather conditions, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes. Vinification combines modern temperature-controlled fermentation with judicious ageing in large Slavonian oak casks and smaller French barrels, resulting in a wine of both freshness and structure.
The region of Chianti, located in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, is celebrated for its rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and a winemaking history that dates back centuries. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool nights that favour slow, steady maturation of the grapes, fostering elegance and aromatic complexity. The soils are mainly galestro and alberese—rocky clay and limestone—that lend the wines their hallmark vibrancy and minerality.
For pairings, this Chianti Classico Riserva reveals its best alongside rustic Tuscan cuisine. Consider it with a classic bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar pappardelle, or a rich tomato-based stew such as peposo. It also complements aged pecorino cheese and charcuterie platters featuring fennel salami or finocchiona. The wine’s supple tannins and lively acidity bring out the best in savoury tomato sauces, roasted vegetables, and herb-infused meats, making it versatile at the table.
Serve the Antinori Chianti Classico Villa Riserva 2015 at a temperature of 16-18°C after allowing it to breathe for an hour. This will fully showcase its bouquet of ripe cherries, violets, hints of tobacco, and subtle spice, followed by a palate marked by harmonious structure and persistence. If cellared, it promises to evolve gracefully for several more years.
