Chianti Classico Collection 2016: Nina in Chianti in Paradise
The Chianti Classico Collection wine fair for journalists and trade professionals
In 1716, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo III, a Medici, established the territorial boundaries of an appellation for the first time in human history: Chianti, which is now Chianti Classico. This makes the wine region not only the oldest in the world, but this wonderful wine world between Florence and Siena is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. This was celebrated, among other things, at this year's presentation of the new vintages at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, the Chianti Classico Collection 2016 (#CCC16).
The unique location, the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, a disused train station, transformed into my personal paradise again this year: 165 wineries presented a total of 587 labels as part of the Chianti Classico Collection, also often called Anteprima. This included 47 barrel samples from 2015 and 70 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
It's practically impossible to try everything, but you can still get a good taste of some things. At least enough to get an idea of what to expect from the world of the Black Rooster in the coming months or years.
Here's a quick overview
The 2015 barrel samples we tasted make us hopeful for fantastic wines with great fruit, structure, balanced acidity, and typical character. You also see a sparkle in the eyes of all the winemakers when they talk about the last harvest – it's lovely to see. The Rosato from Fattoria di Rignana is already super drinkable; we can't wait for this fresh wine to hit the stores!
The 2014 vintage just scraped by, in my opinion. Many initially called it a 'catastrophe' or 'disaster,' but the wines turned out to be quite drinkable and, most importantly, fruity examples of Chianti Classico. It seems the last few weeks before the harvest were the ultimate last-minute save! Some 2014s might have a bit less structure than usual, but they're wonderfully fruity and fresh. However, wineries like Rocca di Montegrossi and Monte Bernardi still managed to deliver their usual high quality in this vintage.
The 2013 vintage brings us some wonderful wines from Chianti. You'll find all the key elements in perfect balance: fruit, acidity, structure, and body. Some wineries have already released their 2013 Chianti Classico a few months ago, but most will only start in the coming weeks, like Monia Piccini from Il Palagio winery.
Most of the Chianti Classico Riserva and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione I tasted were from the 2012 vintage. And wow, what great potential they showed! Some wines, still young or only recently bottled, are a little 'restless' right now. But you can definitely see all the key elements for expressive wines everywhere. These wines will develop perfectly over the next few weeks. I was super impressed by the Riserva from Le Fonti by Vicky Schmitt-Vitali and the Gran Selezione from Fontodi, Vigna del Sorbo – both amazing wineries from Panzano in Chianti. We will have fun!
Speed Tasting
.. with Iacopo Morganti from Il Molino di Grace (Panzano in Chianti) as part of the Chianti Classico Collection 2016 | Florence