August 24, 2022
Chianti Classico is churning out the wines. Perhaps it’s partly an easing of the pandemic supply chain log jam. Perhaps it’s importers finally moving vintages. Whatever the reason, a cursory glance down any wine shop aisle reveals vintages on sale from 2015-2020.
Like previous installments of this report, many vintages are represented. These are the wines that producers and importers supplied for this article. To some degree, they are all currently available on the market, or when specially noted, directly from the producer. Let’s get to it!
I Vini di Chianti Classico
Almost a year ago, I profiled two of the most recent releases from Nicolo Pozzoli of Fattoria Lornano. Lornano rests near the small hamlet of Monteriggioni, though stylistically to me, the wines present themselves similar to the Castellina terroir.
Lornano practices sustainable agriculture under the watchful eye of Silvio Campatelli. Specifically, this includes utilizing only natural fertilizers and preservation of natural resources. No chemical fertilizers or man made herbicides are employed. As a result, the equilibrium with the local environment is well balanced for the production of premium grapes.
The 2017 Fattoria Lornano Chianti Classico Riserva, Castellina, is a bright violet to ruby in color and is 100% Sangiovese. The wildly aromatic nose which features crushed berry, lilac and lavender is brilliant. Absolutely lovely in the mouth with rich, crushed black cherry, zippy berry, tobacco leaf, cocoa, cedar and fresh herb flavors that meld nicely. Tannins shorten the finish just a bit. Could use 1-2 years to soften but this is fresh and lively; especially in the vintage. Bravo! 93 points. Not yet fully released. Find this wine.
In addition to the Riserva, Fattoria Lornano makes wonderful wines across the portfolio. Although the 2018 Chianti Classico will be tasted in Part 4 of this report, the 2017 Classico is still available for sale locally.
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