Pietramaggio 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva 750ML

Pietramaggio's Riserva is genuinely a selective, vintage-dependent wine — the estate only makes it in the best years, and this 2018 comes from the exact same high-elevation clay and limestone vineyard in Greve, Chianti, that feeds the estate's standard Chianti Classico, but here given an additional six months of oak aging beyond the base wine. Sitting at 1,500 feet on south-east facing slopes, the vineyard's elevation and exposure combine to give the fruit genuine concentration and structure, harvested between the second half of September and the first half of October. The Riserva is built primarily from Sangiovese, at 95% of the blend, rounded out with a small addition of Canaiolo and Colorino — the classic supporting varieties of traditional Chianti Classico. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature, with malolactic fermentation completed in barrel, and the wine ages a total of 18 months before release, described by the estate's own team as "a powerful yet energetic Riserva." Wine Enthusiast awarded a genuine 91 Points, describing the nose as "suave yet energetic, with aromas of cherries, dark chocolate and candied orange peel, along with just a hint of herbs," the palate "positively crackling with cherry and blackberry notes," with "earthy undertones" striking real balance, and "acid" gusting "around chalky tannins." The estate's own tasting notes describe a wine "ruby red in color with notes of ripe red fruits, vanilla, and spices," calling it "a balanced and pleasant wine with a well-rounded but intense finish." This is genuinely well-reviewed, structured Chianti Classico Riserva — real concentration from high-elevation fruit, made only when the vintage earns it. Origins & Craftsmanship Pietramaggio 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is produced in Greve, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy, made from 95% Sangiovese with a small addition of Canaiolo and Colorino. The Riserva is only produced in the estate's best vintages, sourced from the same high-elevation clay and limestone vineyard, at 1,500 feet, that also feeds Pietramaggio's standard Chianti Classico bottling, harvested from south-east facing slopes between late September and mid-October. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, with malolactic fermentation completed in barrel. The Riserva ages a total of 18 months, six months longer than the estate's base Chianti Classico. Critics Reviews Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points: "The nose is suave yet energetic, with aromas of cherries, dark chocolate and candied orange peel, along with just a hint of herbs. The palate is positively crackling with cherry and blackberry notes, but earthy undertones strike balance. Acid gusts around chalky tannins." Pietramaggio (official tasting note): "Ruby red color with notes of ripe red fruits, vanilla, and spices. A balanced and pleasant wine with a well-rounded but intense finish." Tasting Profile Nose Suave yet energetic, with cherries and dark chocolate leading, joined by candied orange peel, a hint of herbs, and vanilla. Palate Positively crackling, with cherry and blackberry carrying real intensity, balanced by earthy undertones and chalky tannin. Finish Well-rounded but intense, closing with lively acidity and genuine structure. Quick Overview Category Details Appellation Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy Variety 95% Sangiovese, with Canaiolo & Colorino Vintage 2018 Producer Pietramaggio Vineyard Greve in Chianti — clay & limestone, 1,500 ft elevation, south-east facing Fermentation Stainless steel, controlled temperature Aging 18 months total (6 months beyond the estate's base Chianti Classico) Production Made only in the estate's best vintages Critics Wine Enthusiast 91 Style / Identity A powerful yet energetic Chianti Classico Riserva — genuine concentration from high-elevation fruit Aromas & Flavors Cherry, dark chocolate, candied orange peel, blackberry, ripe red fruit Bottle Size 750ml Food Pairings Tuscan cured meats Mature cheeses Roasted or grilled meat Bistecca alla Fiorentina