Chianti Classico Collection: our best tastings of Riserva and Gran Selezione 2016

Aromatically airy, incisive in the gustatory evolution, with complex scents and articulations between light and dark in their development on the palate. Here is a summary of the wines of the 2016 vintage that, in Chianti Classico, have found great achievements both in the Riserva and in the Gran Selezione, the top quality of the denomination (types that are also leading to the “premiumization” of the Gallo Nero, and that, in 2018, have put together 37% of production, and 52% of turnover, Maxidata source), protagonists of the Chianti Classico Collection, staged at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, which closes today with the opening to the public, for the first time in the afternoon (www.chianticlassico.it).
The 2016 vintage in Chianti Classico can be considered excellent, probably among the best of at least the last years: with balance both in the distribution of the cold winter and the summer heat, allowing regular and progressive ripening. Ideal conditions for the best expressiveness of the Sangiovese grown between Siena and Florence, with wines capable of leaving their mark. An example of classicism is the Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 of Castello di Volpaia, with an impeccable nose and a solid and elegant taste evolution. The Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 of Castello di Monterinaldi is juicy, sometimes pleasantly sharp, with floral and smoky aromas. The Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 of Castellare di Castellina does not disappoint, while the Chianti Classico Ser Lapo Riserva 2016 of Castello di Fonterutoli is full-bodied and well-balanced.
From the bottom of the beautiful flavor of the Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 Cigliano, with centered and nuanced scents. A touch of modernity more than the old vintages for the Chianti Classico Rancia Riserva 2016 di Felsina, which nevertheless shows fragrances of beautiful fruit and continuous development. Probably one of the best versions of the vintage is the Chianti Classico Vigna Barbischio Riserva 2016 by Maurizio Alongi, with a graceful nose that goes from small red fruits to flowers and hints of undergrowth and flint, anticipating a lively, dynamic and deep palate.

The Chianti Classico Il Campitello Riserva 2016 of Monteraponi is complex, combining elegance and character. Aromatic clarity and a fleshy and reactive sip for the Chianti Classico Bugialla Riserva 2016 di Poggerino. The Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 di Pomona has a distinct Chianti character, while the Riserva di Barone Ricasoli and Villa Le Corti, Cortevecchia, are good examples of stylistic modernity. The Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 of Riecine is juicy and fragrant and the Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 of Rocca Delle Macìe is absolutely involving.
The 2016 Grand Selection also includes significant wines. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 of Borgo La Stella is defined by its nose and its slender and tasty mouth. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2016 of Castello di Ama is juicy and aromatically intense, while the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Fornace 2016 of Villa Calcinaia is well structured, both in terms of aroma and taste.