Chianti Classico Monteraponi 2023 (750ML)

Disease pressure cost Monteraponi half its 2023 crop, so the estate made none of its top bottlings, Baron’Ugo and Campitello, and declassified that fruit into its Chianti Classico. Persistent September heat brought an earlier harvest than usual, finished by month’s end. The organically farmed vineyards sit at 450 to 570 meters in Radda, on calcareous stone, marl and schist. The blend is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, spontaneously fermented with 25 days on the skins in concrete, then aged 16 months in large French and Slavonian casks — a couple of months longer than usual, given the density of the fruit. Black cherry and redcurrant mingle with cedar, licorice, tobacco and scrubby herbs over a midweight palate with more grip than a typical year and a bright, slightly tart edge. Roast chicken with lemon and herbs, pici cacio e pepe or a hearty ribollita all suit it.