Description
The name “Querciabella,” meaning “beautiful oak” in Italian, is synonymous with excellence in Chianti, largely due to the dedication and foresight of owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni. A pioneer in sustainable farming, Castiglioni was among the first to transition his estate to organic practices in 1988, and he achieved biodynamic certification in 2000. Today, Querciabella boasts 74 hectares of prime vineyards across some of Chianti’s top crus, along with an additional 32 hectares in the coastal Maremma region.
About this wine from the winemakers: “Querciabella Chianti Classico has been the centrepiece of Querciabella’s winemaking operations since the winery’s debut. Consistently ranking at the highest levels of critical acclaim. A beautiful balancing act of crisp, inviting acidity, pure varietal fruit flavour and character, Querciabella Chianti Classico represents the pinnacle of high-altitude, perfectly exposed Sangiovese fruit. Its complexity and consistency derive from sourcing the grapes from top sites in three of the denomination’s best sub-zones, now also known as UGAs – Greve, Radda and Gaiole in Chianti.
“Each expression of Sangiovese brings specific nuances to the blend: Greve delivers a fresher fruit and vibrancy; Radda exhibits persistent tannins, a good lift of acidity and darker fruit notes due to the high presence of galestro in the soil; in Gaiole, wines show riper fruit aromas, more density and the highest acidity of all three thanks to the alberese soils. Each vineyard is cared for on a lot by lot basis to respect the essence of each site. The same focus and precision in the cellar, allow for natural winemaking with minimal intervention, that preserves the purity of the fruit. After about 14 months in fine-grained oak barrels, and regular racking, only the best lots make it to the final blend. Once bottled, the wine rests patiently for a few more months before release.
“This patient maturation adds a layer of softness and enhances the varietal fruit notes typical of quality Sangiovese. Querciabella Chianti Classico is, in fact, a perfect foil for food, the crispness and the roundness make it perfectly suitable for a wide variety of flavours and cuisines.”
About the 2022 vintage: The Sangiovese grapes from the 2022 harvest reflect the resilience of the vines in the face of challenging conditions. Despite the extreme heat and drought, the grape clusters developed intense flavors and aromatic complexity, with balanced acidity that is characteristic of this variety. The combination of high-altitude conditions and the rejuvenating rains in August allowed the Sangiovese to reach optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine that is both vibrant and elegant, with the depth and structure that define this iconic Tuscan grape.
Bright ruby red with violet reflections, the 2022 Chianti Classico is a vibrant, polished expression of Sangiovese. Aromas of red cherry, plum, and blood orange mingle with hints of spice, cedar, and rose petal. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and supple, with a core of juicy red fruit framed by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins that provide definition and length. Nuances of graphite, forest floor, and new leather add depth, while the finish is elegant, savoury, and persistent.
91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous “The 2022 Chianti Classico is a polished, sophisticated wine. Dark red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, cedar and new leather are front and center. Medium in body and layered, with terrific depth for the year, the 2022 is a delight.”
92 points, Decanter “Stylish and seductive, Querciabella’s 2022 leads with rooibos, mace and mocha atop dark red cherry. The palate is polished with sophisticated sweet oak spice tucked into the ripe and generous fruit core. Suede-like tannins expand, weaving smoothly throughout, while Sangiovese’s brilliant acidity makes this sparkle. Splendid completeness and energy.”
RRP $72 Our Special Price $56.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
