Chianti
After some fairly up-and-down performances in the early years of SWA, Chianti has settled into a comfortable place. We can pretty much rely on it every year for somewhere between four and six places on the Gold List, usually with a good spread of prices.
Typically, we have a spread of sub-denominations in the Gold mix: Chiantis, Chianti Classicos, Riservas and the odd Gran Selezione. But this year, unusually, apart from the extraordinarily well-priced Grati Chianti, the Golds were all Riservas.
Perhaps that’s because it’s the style that offers a bit of trade-up quality without being over-expensive, and it’s where the wines still usually taste like Chianti, without too much oak influence. Though as taster after taster pointed out, there’s a wide spread of styles all the way through this category, so whatever the price and character you’re looking for you can certainly find it here.
From The Tasting Teams
‘The highlight here was seeing that there are different styles and different expressions, and that none are right or wrong. Some people really like that dirty, bretty style and some like them cleaner and fresher. Seeing them side by side was really good.’ Carolina W Siebel, Comptoir Cafe and Wine
‘I liked the Gran Selezione wines. They had good prices for their intensity.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘Overall, I appreciate a classic style of Chianti; something with violets – and quite tannic.’ Gaetano Giangaspero, City Social
‘The Riservas we really liked were the fresher styles with bright acidity and less heavy oak. At the cheaper end you’re better off looking at a simple Sangiovese.’ Victoria Sharples, St John Restaurant Group
‘Older, more rustic wines are good with nice classic Italian food, but they wouldn’t attract young drinkers. Those characters aren’t something that young people look for.’ Erik Simonics, Annabel’s
‘Chianti Classico has those two different schools and that has to be explained when you are selling.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘I love Chianti. It seems to have gone out of fashion but it’s probably one of the best food wines you can get.’ Dave Cushley, Prestonfield House
‘At the top end there were some really well-made Riservas. You’re maybe looking at £30 a bottle, but the money was going into the product, not into what was being wrapped around it.’ Tom Forrest, team leader