2020 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Oh, Chianti! We all love this place. I mean, is there anything more enchanting and artistic than this Tuscan charming hill-covered region? This is a place loaded with history, art, legends, stunning landscapes, and delectable wines. This appellation produces what James Suckling said, “some of the finest wines in Italy and the world.” And, one of the best-known and most appreciated wines in the world is Chianti Classico.

Castello di Gabbiano has been crafting wines in the heart of Tuscany for over 300 years, creating a rich legacy that reflects this land’s history. Nestled between Florence and Siena, the estate has stood since the 11th century, witnessing the stories of Florence’s noble families. This bottle captures that spirit, showcasing a classic Chianti Classico that blends tradition with modern craftsmanship.

Led by winemaker Federico Cerelli, Castello di Gabbiano’s team combines age-old techniques with modern winemaking to create wines that are authentic, vibrant, and unforgettable. Each grape is selected with care, and after careful fermentation, the wine is aged partly in stainless steel and partly in French oak barrels to bring out fresh flavors and depth.

The 2020 Riserva del Castello brings together the best grapes from the estate to create a wine that’s layered, balanced, and brimming with character. Federico’s work with diverse vineyard sites at the estate results in a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

The vineyards are rooted in clay and limestone soil, which helps produce grapes full of flavor. Federico believes that “quality starts in the vineyard,” and he manages each vine carefully. In the cellar, he uses both traditional methods and modern techniques, ensuring that each wine reflects both the past and the future of winemaking.

This Chianti Classico Riserva embodies the timeless beauty of Castello di Gabbiano—a taste of Tuscany’s history with every sip. Its balance of fruit, structure, and gentle oak makes it the perfect companion for grilled meats, pasta, or aged cheeses.

Chianti Classico has two additional levels that determine the wine's quality and aging. "Chianti Classico Riserva" wines need at least two years in barrel (24 months) plus three months in bottle before being released.

Aging: 10 months in oak casks and small barrels, 10% new oak. 

95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. A deep, ruby red color, this wine offers lovely red fruity notes coming led with hints of strawberries, citrus and Tobacco. Same flavors extend to the fruit-filled palate with additional earthy and spicy notes. The wine is supported by firm tannins balanced by fresh acidity and good complexity. Vigorous structure and body with much balance and elegance.

Serve with roasted red meats,game with rich sauces, and aged cheeses.

Sangiovese, with a little 'help' of Merlot, a Riserva, aged in a mix of woods of different sizes, of very shiny workmanship and undeniable propensity to drink. The nose has hints of Regina cherry, then ginger and cloves, while the mouthfeel is salty, with a return of red fruit and spicy sensations. ~96 Luca Gardini, GardiniNotes.com

This is toasty and spicy, with baked cherries, dried strawberries and hints of hazelnuts and cloves. Medium- to full-bodied, taut and and structured, yet the tannins are fine and polished and run the whole length of the wine. Firm and focused.~93 James Suckling

Ample and generous in feel, the Riserva has a ton to offer. It’s a gorgeous and superexpressive offering, wrapped up with a kiss of vanillin oak.~91 Vinous Media

Fresh and vibrant in the sensorial profile it shows notes of cherries, black cherries, red plums, wild strawberries and lemon peel. Ginger and mixed roots describe the secondary scene. Medium body, slightly "rustic" tannins and a good juiciness finish. Better from 2025. ~91 WinesCritic.com

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