Nittardi Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

Nittardi is a small, organically-farmed estate in the heart of Tuscany. Their winemaker Carlo Ferrini has been lauded as winemaker of the year by Wine Enthusiast. This Chianti Classico Riserva bottling is only bottled when the fruit is of adequate quality, and 2016 was a wonderful year for it. This wine has a small percentage of Merlot added to it for texture and weight, and is a sterling example of what happens with low-yielding Sangiovese vineyards–supple fruit with the classic tang you expect in Tuscan Chianti wines.

Tasting notes: Bing cherry, red apple, roasted fennel, cedarwood

Pairings: pici with ragù al Cinghiale, sausage pizza, roasted vegetable dishes.