2021 Chianti Classico – Rocca di Montegrossi
Rocca di Montegrossi’s Chianti Classico is consistently one of the more thoughtful expressions of the appellation — vines planted on galestro and alberese soils, carefully balanced élevage and a focus on purity of fruit rather than over-extraction. The 2021 vintage delivered wines with bright acidity, ripe cherry character and a firm structural backbone, and this Chianti Classico captures that profile with clarity and verve.
On the nose there’s an inviting mix of fresh red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, lifted by gentle floral hints of violet and dried herbs. A touch of savoury earth and spice — sweet tobacco, clove and a wisp of balsamic — adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and energetic, with bright acidity driving the juicy fruit forward and finely polished tannins providing shape and persistence. Notes of citrus peel and Tuscan scrub linger through a finish that is clean, savoury and welcoming.
This is Chianti Classico with balance and detail — approachable in its youth but backed by the structure to develop further nuance in bottle.
Corked Points: 92/100
Sommelier diary #95
