When seeking great values in wine, you shouldn't have to sacrifice on quality. But it can be difficult knowing where to start the search. With Chianti Classico reds that scored at least 90 points, yet are priced $35 or less, this week's Tasting Highlights shows that you can begin your wine-value journey with one of Italy's premier wine regions.
Located across rolling hills in the center of Tuscany, Chianti Classico is a premier, historic area between Florence and Siena. Here, well-known wineries offer reds based on the celebrated Sangiovese grape with complex red fruit, earth and iron notes. Chianti Classico annate are approachable upon release, while riserva and gran selezione reds have fantastic aging potential thanks to Sangiovese's naturally high levels of acidity and gripping tannins. While some of the most acclaimed Chianti Classicos can achieve prices in the triple digits, there are plenty of more affordable bottlings, which has helped mantain the region's popularity with each vintage. This is on display in the lineup, below.
This lineup includes Castelli del Grevepesa's Chianti Classico Clemente VII Riserva 2020, the top scorer, which is elegant with ripe red fruit, rose and mineral notes. Read on to get our score and full tasting note for this fantastic Chianti Classico value wine and nine others!
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