Insights

Chianti Classico Riserva: The Big Brother of Classico

After discovering our Rubiolo Chianti Classico in the last newsletter, it’s time to take a step forward and meet its older brother: Chianti Classico Riserva. If Rubiolo is the charming bon vivant in linen, Riserva is the elegant gentleman in a tuxedo—with a hint of adventurous spirit.

So what makes a Chianti Classico Riserva so special? Simply put, it’s the “VIP” of the family. By law, a Riserva must age for at least two years before it can make its debut. This extended time grants the wine greater depth, complexity, and an unmistakable elegance. It’s made for special occasions—or those weeknights when you want to treat yourself to something truly memorable.

Our Gagliole Chianti Classico Riserva perfectly embodies this philosophy. It hails from a vineyard perched on a natural plateau at 450 meters above sea level, facing southwest, in the heart of Panzano’s renowned Conca d’Oro. Here, newly planted Sangiovese clones produce small-berried bunches with thick skins—tiny reservoirs of sunlight, capturing every nuance of the gentle September days.

The loamy-clay soil, rich in stones and perfectly balanced in clay, sand, and silt, allows the vines to push their roots deep, drawing nourishment throughout the growing season. The result? A wine that is a pure and faithful reflection of Panzano in Chianti: crystalline, vibrant, and rich with the complexity of its soils, the clarity of Tuscan light, and the freshness of sea breezes that shape this unique microclimate.

Sangiovese is the soul of it all: delivering bright acidity, flavors of ripe cherry and plum, and subtle earthy undertones. Each sip is like a walk through the Tuscan hills—a landscape to be savored, glass by glass.

Our Riserva brings all of this together in perfect harmony. A wine of structure and finesse, with a long, silky finish that keeps you coming back. It’s a quiet storyteller—ideal for a memorable meal or a meaningful conversation.

Chianti Classico Riserva is more than a wine: it’s a moment to savor. And our Gagliole Riserva is its truest expression.

In this spirit: Cheers!
To older siblings, and to life’s simple joys.

Giulio Carmassi
Winemaker
Gagliole Wines

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