Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
The Castello della Paneretta, one of Portland’s favorite Chiantis, has fashioned an absolutely charming and delicious Chianti from its vineyards in Chianti Classico’s Barberino Val d’Elsa zone. A blend of Sangiovese (85%), Canaiolo, and Colorino, Paneretta’s 2019 Classico offers a lovely mahogany-tinged black cherry color followed by bright aromas of sun-warmed cherries, tarragon, wintergreen, leather, and barrel tones of smoke, vanilla, and caramel. The palate conveys a core of cherry and red currant fruit accented by notes of cinnamon, cloves, button mushrooms, star anise, cola, and tobacco. Fine tannins emerge and transition the wine to its long, resonant finish, echoing suggestions of rose petals, vanilla bean, salumi, leather, and underbrush. This is the most delightful and immediately delicious Paneretta Chianti Classico in our experience. Enjoy now and over the coming three years with deep-fried zucchini blossoms, roast pork, pizzas, pastas, and braised beef short ribs.
An August 2022 newsletter selection
