Campochiarenti Riserva

~ San Gimignano ~

Not far from the city walls of San Gimignano lies the DOCG production zone of Chianti Colli Senesi.  A subzone of the broader Chianti region, the Colli Senesi - or, the Sienese Hills,  are gorgeous and the splendor of their wines often overlooked at the expense of their more notable brother, Chianti Classico.  Smart readers should look to Colli Senesi for value.  The wines can be excellent and the main difference between the two regions can be summed up between differences in the soil.   

In the hands of a skilled wine maker, the Sangiovese from Colli Senesi can be very special indeed.  That is the case before us today.

~ Sangiovese on the vine at Campochiarenti ~

Campochiarenti has been in the Rosti family since 1977 when they acquired the abandoned buildings and land that had once been a monastery.  Restoration was immediate and new vineyards were planted with optimal clones for the microclimate of San Gimignano.  Today Campochiarenti is the family home and proprietor Daniele Rosti is involved in all aspects of the production from vineyard management to the design of the estates new wine labels.  From 14 hectares of vineyards, Rosti produces several interesting wines; some annually, some only in optimal vintages. 

~ The Chapel at Campochiarenti has been restored ~

The 2007 Campochiarenti Chianti Riserva is a special wine that has and is aging exceptionally well.   A blend of 85% Sangiovese with additions of Colorino, Canaiolo and Mammolo,  the Riserva spends four full years in large botte and one year in bottle prior to release.  The resulting wine is round, complex and elegant. 

In the glass, the wine is deep violet with a slightly lighter hue at the rim of the bowl.  Lovely blackberry, Christmas spice, flowers and chestnut make the wine absolutely lovely to smell.  On the palate, there is no let up.  The black plum flavors echo the nose and are enhanced by baking spices, black tea, tobacco and fennel notes. A lovely expression of Sangiovese and a special wine indeed.  93 points.

~ This Riserva still bears the old label from 2007 ~

Salute!