LA SPINETTA | Casanova | Chianti Riserva | 2020
sangiovese

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La Spinetta, which translates as ‘top of the hill’, was founded in the 1970s by the Rivetti family, who first made their name crafting world-class Moscato in Piedmont. Driven by a passion for indigenous grape varieties and a philosophy that prioritizes the vineyard above all, they expanded their vision to Tuscany. Here, they acquired 65 hectares of vineyards, including the famous Casanova estate, with the goal of producing top-quality Sangiovese wins that speaks of its place of origin.
Today we are going to review a quintessential italian classic from one of the country’s most iconic wine regions – Casanova Chianti Riserva 2020 by La Spinetta. 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’.

Today’s wine is not just any Chianti – it’s a profound statement of single-vineyard sangiovese sourced from 30-year-old vines of the Casanova estate, situated in the municipality of Terricciola within the Chianti DOCG area. As a ‘Riserva‘, the wine adheres to strict aging requirements, having been aged for 24 months in second-filled French oak barrels, followed by another six months of bottle ageing time before it was deemed ready for the market release. This winemaking process aims to soften the tannins and integrate complexity, while preserving the vibrant fruit character of the sangiovese grapes. The 2020 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by very favorable grape-growing conditions, yielding grapes with excellent ripeness and structure, promising a wine of both power and richness.

The Toscana region has long boasted an impressive reputation in the world of great wines, earning its prestige as one of the most promising and creative production areas in the world of wine as a result of a number of forward-thinking producers that experimented with international grape varieties modern winemaking techniques. It is home to some of the world’s most famous wines known as ‘Super Tuscan‘.

The Chianti 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-pale garnet color
clarity: hazy copper shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a classic Sangiovese appearance, with medium-deep to pale, garnet color, and delicate, hazy copper shades towards the rim of the glass.

intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe & vibrant

The olfactory profile reveals a rich and savory intensity, balanced by a vibrant, ripe fruit character. The foreground is a complex interplay of savory notes (think brown olive, leather, cured meat, and game), complemented by a core of bright red fruits like cranberry, sour cherry, and red plum, all underscored by an elegant truffle nuance. As the wine opens up, a sophisticated background emerges, offering earthy layers of clay, loam, and marl, complemented by a fresh bouquet of mediterranean herbs like basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Subtle hints of sun-dried oakwood and a pinch of paprika flakes add a final touch of spice and tertiary complexity.

sweetness: off dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: appealingly-crisp

The palate confirms the promise of the nose, delivering a textbook Sangiovese experience wrapped in a modern, expressive style. The mouthfeel is ample, round, and well structured, with grippy yet ripe tannins providing a firm backbone. The wine is technically dry, but a faint touch of ripe fruit sweetness gives it a voluptuously-sweet texture. This richness is impeccably balanced by bright, mouth-watering acidity and a well-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth that lends depth. The experience culminates in a long and persistent finish that is both crisp and pleasantly-seedy, cleansing the palate and inviting another sip.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 to 3 years
verdict: great | a benchmark wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a rich, vibrant, and savory Sangiovese wine that showcases varietal purity with modern twist. It feels remarkably crisp and voluptuous – the epitome of a modern Chianti that masterfully combines the savory soul of the grape with the richness of contemporary vinification. Its multi-layered aromatic profile is extremely appealing, offering a journey from savory depth to fruity vibrancy, all supported by earthy and spicy undertones. While the use of oak is evident, it remains restrained, adding complexity without overshadowing the wine’s inherent character. The wine is still developing – ready to be enjoyed today but would also benefit from another 2 to 3 years of bottle ageing, allowing it to gain further aromatic sophistication.

The wine’s vibrant acidity and savory complexity make it a formidable partner for rich and flavorful dishes. For a classic congruent pairing that will elevate both wine and food, consider matching it with Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The wine’s acidity will slice through the rich, marbled texture of the steak, while its savory and herbal notes will complement the char and seasoning of the meat. The ripe red fruit notes in the wine will provide a beautiful counterpoint to the beef’s robust flavor, creating a harmonious and geniunely-tuscan dining experience. Cin cin!
LA SPINETTA | Casanova | Chianti Riserva | 2020
variety: sangiovese
country: Italy
region: Toscana | Chianti
rating: 94.6

Despite being celebrated for their Tuscan wines, La Spinetta’s heartland is Piedmont. Their iconic logo, a rhinoceros, was inspired by a 1515 woodcut by Albrecht Dürer. The Rivetti family chose this image to symbolize the strength, power, and uniqueness of their wines. Under Giorgio Rivetti’s leadership, La Spinetta has been awarded the coveted ‘Tre Bicchieri’ from Gambero Rosso – a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality across different regions and styles.

© 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!