MONTOSTOLI | Chianti Classico | 2023
sangiovese | canaiolo | trebbiano

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The Montostoli wine label is a proud ambassador of tuscan tradition, brought to life by the Bonacchi family – a name synonymous with winemaking in the region for over a century. Since Andrea Bonacchi established the modern winery in the 1960s, the family has dedicated itself to crafting wines that are a pure expression of their unique terroir. With vineyards spread across Tuscany’s most prestigious appellations, including Chianti Classico, their philosophy marries respect for traditions with the precision of modern winemaking.
Today we are going to review a quintessential italian classic from one of the country’s most iconic wine regions – Chianti Classico 2023 by Montostoli. This wine is a nod to winemaking tradition – a harmonious blend composed of 80% sangiovese, 10% canaiolo (also known as canaiolo nero – the authentic ingredient in the original Chianti recipe) and 10% trebbiano (better known as trebbiano toscano – the old tuscan grape variety used historically in Chianti Classico wines), where sangiovese forms the wine’s main body and structure, canaiolo softens the mouthfeel and builds a more refined mid-palate, while trebbiano enhances the wine’s aromatic depth and add extra freshness. The final wine has been fermented in stainless steel tanks only, then aged in a combination of large slavonian oak barrels, used french oak barriques (at 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill) and stainless steel tanks, with some extra time of bottle ageing.

Chianti wines can be made with grapes sourced from a vast region within Tuscany: from the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, to the flatter plains towards the Mediterranean Sea, but, in order to taste some of best expressions of sangiovese-based Chianti wines, one needs to look into higher elevations, towards the original boundaries of the Chianti region, called Chianti Classico, where wines are made in smaller quantities, with lower yields and therefore are of higher quality. The best wines from the Chianti Classico sub-region will be labelled as ‘Riserva’ or ‘Gran Selezione’.

The Chianti Classico DOCG is renowned for its diverse terroir, characterized by rolling hills, warm summers, and mild winters, providing ideal conditions for grape growing. The soils composition differ vastly, from rocky and well-drained soils around the region’s highest hills, to fertile clay-based soils at lower altitudes, supporting various root systems that enhance vibrant fruit expression. Those diverse microregions allow the winemakers to experiment with different plots in order to build a wine that truly reflects their vision or wines that are capable to reflect the footprints of local terroirs.

color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine displays a captivating, medium-deep garnet color, clear and bright, with subtle, hazy garnet reflections on the rim, that hint at its youthful energy and developing nature.

intensity: rich & vibrant
fruit character: ripe

The aromatic profile feels rich and vibrant – a powerful introduction to the wine’s fruity character. The foreground delivers ripe red fruits – a symphony of sour cherry, red plum, redcurrant, and wild cherry, all underscored by a lively cranberry tartness. This fruit-forward attack is intricately woven with spicy notes of red pepper and cloves, and a charming dusty accent. Allowing the wine to breathe reveals a complex background, where secondary and tertiary notes emerge: savory tobacco, sun-dried oakwood, and a distinct earthy foundation of clay, loam, and brown soil, gracefully finished with a whisper of dried herbs.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crispy-tart

The gustatory experience confirms the promise of the nose, delivering a textbook Chianti Classico wine vinified in a pure and honest old world style. The mouthfeel is wonderfully round and voluptuous, maintaining a lean and energetic structure thanks to a pleasantly-tart character. The palate is dry, elevated by exuberant, mouth-watering acidity that is perfectly balanced by well-integrated alcoholic warmth. The tannins are ripe and seedy, providing a firm but not aggressive grip, leading into a long, crisp, and refreshingly-tart aftertaste that cleanses the palate and invites another sip.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 4 years
verdict: fine | an excellent wine | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a round, smooth, and plump Chianti Classico wine – the epitome of a modern Chianti that respects its roots, offering an incredibly multi-layered and complex aromatic profile. The restraint in its use of oak is commendable, allowing the varietal typicity of the sangiovese grape variety and the vibrancy of its red fruit to take center stage. While it might lean more towards structured modernism than rustic terroir-driven elegance, it possesses the right character to be considered an approachable classic. This is a wine that is still developing – ready to be enjoyed today or within the next 3 to 4 years.

The wine’s elevated acidity makes it a versatile partner at the dinner table for a wide variety of dishes. For a classic, congruent pairing, consider matching it with Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale (wild boar ragu). The wine’s high acidity will effortlessly cut through the richness of the pasta sauce, while its savory and earthy notes will complement the gamey flavor of the boar, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying wine tasting experience. Cheers!
MONTOSTOLI | Chianti Classico | 2023
variety: sangiovese | canaiolo | trebbiano
country: Italy | Toscana
region: Chianti Classico
rating: 93.7

The iconic ‘Gallo Nero’ (Black Rooster) emblem that adorns every bottle of Chianti Classico is steeped in a captivating medieval legend. To resolve a long-standing border dispute between Florence and Siena, it was decided that a knight from each city would ride out at the first rooster’s crow, and the border would be established where they met. The cunning florentines kept their black rooster in a small, dark coop without food, causing it to crow out of desperation long before dawn. Their knight was able to ride much farther, claiming nearly all the territory that now constitutes the Chianti Classico wine zone for Florence.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!