Castello di Querceto Tuscany Italy since 1897
I have 2 wines from this producer to talk about, one is a basic Chianti, and the other is a Chianti Classico. Both wines are made from the Sangiovese grape, with the Classico including small amounts of Colorino and Canaiolo Nero.
The Sangiovese grapes for the basic Chianti can be sourced from a wide area in Tuscany, whereas the Chianti Classico has to come from the original area defined in 1716 by the Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici. The Classico wines are more highly regarded due to better quality fruit produced in this hilly region.
Basic Chianti must have a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes in it, and the rest can be native varieties or Cabernet or Merlot. Chianti Classico must have a minimum of 80% Sangiovese grapes, and the rest can be any of the grapes mentioned before.
The Chianti has classic notes of plum, and tobacco leaf/cigar box in the nose when first opened, there a bit of cherry that shows up after half an hour or so. Matching flavors on the palate, medium acidity, finishes dry, fine tannins and the flavors fade quickly.
The Chianti Classico opens with distinct cherry notes in the nose, along with plum and another red fruit...ripe strawberries comes to mind. After its been open 45 minutes or so there is a note of the tobacco leaf as well in the nose. You definitely taste the cherries, I noticed the plum after swallowing, the finish is longer with the cherry flavor fading pleasantly. It's got a medium mouthfeel, the Classico is a little more tannic when drunk by itself, but you don't notice it when enjoying it with food.
If you want a good basic Chianti to enjoy with a pizza or dried Italian charcuterie, then this is the one for you. It's available online at a number of online retailers for anywhere between $8.00 to $14.00.... it's only $8.99 at the NH Liquor outlets, but I'll leave the decision to go into a store up to you.... if you do go there please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer....
If you're looking for something a little more special then try the Classico, it was superb with the Margherita pizza from Lui-Lui, I think it would shine with any pizza that had meat on it, lasagna, a good quality hard Italian cheese, red sauce pasta and meatballs, etc... this wine is also available at a number of online retailers for between $9.99 and $14.99. The NH Liquor outlets have it for $10.99 but again, please take precautions if you decide to go into the stores...
Take care of yourselves, Cheers!
Ed
