The Wine Advocate 2017

The Wine Advocate 2017, Chianti Classico 2014, Chianti Classico Riserva 2013

Val delle Corti is a producer I was not previously familiar with, but one that happily caught my attention this year. Giorgio Bianchi moved to Chianti Classico from Milan in 1974 to make wine in Tuscany. His family production is small and the range of wines faithfully reflects local tradition. This is a name to watch. The two wines reviewed below are very exciting in terms of their purity and finesse.

2014 Valdellecorti • Chianti Classico • Rating 89+ • Drink Date 2017 – 2022

Reviewed by Monica Larner • Issue Date 30th Dec 2016 • Source 228, The Wine Advocate

The 2014 Chianti Classico delivers impressive results for a difficult vintage. This is a silky and polished Sangiovese with wild berry aromas followed by blanched almond, blue flower and mild garden herb. The floral component with rose petal and pressed violets is very attractive. It also underlines the delicate and nuanced side of this mighty Tuscan grape. This is an excellent wine for informal drinking occasions.

2013 Valdellecorti • Chianti Classico Riserva • Rating 92+ • Drink Date 2017 – 2026

Reviewed by Monica Larner • Issue Date 30th Dec 2016 • Source 228, The Wine Advocate

One notch up in terms of intensity and complexity, the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva paints a very pretty picture of this classic vintage. Average temperatures stayed within norms in 2013, and steep diurnal shifts right before the harvest helped to set aromatic intensity and color brightness. Indeed, this is a lively and energetic wine with loads of nuanced fruit and spice. This Chianti Classico Riserva boasts a fragrant floral side with rose and honeysuckle on prime display. This is about as close as Sangiovese gets to Pinot Noir.