Chianti Classico Riserva 2016, Castello di Monsanto

Skøn riserva med et betagende og helstøbt væsen som ejerfamilien selv. Pakket med en dyb, floral, vibrerende kraft og en eminent frugtsyre, der trækker denne læskende vin flot ud over stepperne og efterlader duft og smag af viol og hyldebær og kardemomme samt mint-chokolade og medicinskab. Fuld af nuancer og velgørende energi, og der kommer knust kalksten og tørret salvie og veldoseret fadkrydderi til syne i den lange eftersmag. Meget appetitlig og klassisk vin.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco all run through this wonderfully nuanced, vibrant Riserva. Already expressive and open, the 2016 will drink well for another 15+ years. Although not quite the value it was a few years ago, Monsanto's Riserva delivers serious quality for the money. Sweet floral notes extend this finish beautifully in this mid-weight, gracious, yet nicely structured Riserva from Monsanto.

Castello di Monsanto is in a warm pocket but the vineyards are well-ventilated by sea breezes and temperatures fall sharply at night. The Bianchi family uses autochthonous grapes only for their Chianti Classico. In the Riserva, Colorino is added for colour and Canaiolo Nero for its floral bouquet. Vibrant and clearly defined aromas of pepper, dogwood flower and red cherry lead into a much more austere expression on the palate. It possesses a tight yet succulent core with assertive tannins and a long, earthy and savoury finish where nuances of iron and orange peel promise an appetising future.

The 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva is bold, ample and powerful, with a real sense of breadth in this vintage. The tannins need time to soften, as the wine is a bit burly at this stage. This is another stellar release for a wine that routinely overachieves its peer group and price. Dense and packed, with tremendous structure, the 2015 has a lot to say. But readers will have to be patient, as it is very clearly early days for this wine. - Antonio Galloni

Monsanto's 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva 50 Vendemmie is one of the most pedigreed wines of the year. Deep and resonant in the glass, but not at all heavy, the 2012 possesses magnificent complexity to match what I can only describe as a regal expression of Sangiovese. There is a level of purity and nuance to the 2012 that is hard to describe with words but that is very much front and center. Moreover, I can't think of too many wines from any region anywhere in the world that offer this level of quality for the money. Readers will not want to miss this stellar Riserva from Monsanto. Can the 2012 Il Poggio be better? We'll know in two years' time. - Antonio Galloni

Da jeg smager på Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2012, siger jeg med det samme til mig selv inden i hovedet og skriver i mine noter “den bedste vin. Helt perfekt”. Og det findes jo teknisk set ikke... men det er det, der gør vin fantastsik. Det er skønheden og oplevelsen af er skønhed er autonom, subjektiv og umiddelbar. Derfor tilhører vin som musik faktisk kategorien: kunst. Lige så ligegyldig og ugyldig – lige så storslået, betagende og bevægende kan vin være. Eller som popkunst, bare velsamgende og behagelig. Men der er som i kunst et overordnet krav og en betingelse om ordentlighed. Gode materialer, forståelse for komposition, balance harmoni, og for de modige vinmagere, at nedbryde dette og genskabe. God vin er ikke sjusket, god vin er et håndværk deraf kommer skønheden. - Nana Wad