Tenute di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years, additional aging will benefit this wine. Decant before drinking. Tenute di Nozzole is an impressive estate with farming origins dating back as far as 1300. Acquired by the Folonari family in 1971, the family continues to operate the estate and its 385 hectares of land, 90 of which are occupied by vineyards and 15 occupied by olive groves. Located just north of the village of Greve, the estate is part of Tuscany’s famed Chianti Classico zone and represents some of the finest wines to emerge from the region. The Folonari family demonstrates a commitment to quality and terroir with wines that are honest in character and approachable to serious and everyday drinkers. The La Forra Riserva represents some of the estate’s most prized Sangiovese grapes as it is one of the best parcels, with vines more than 35 years old, and sitting at 300 meters in elevation. Burrowed in the Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena, La Forra Reserva has limited quantities as it is only produced in exceptional vintages. Like other wines from Tenute di Nozzole, the grapes are manually harvested before being destemmed and crushed. Fermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and the wine is further aged in oak barrels for 16 months with an additional six months in bottle before release. The La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva captures aromas of ripe strawberry and tart cherry followed by cedar, tobacco and dried herbs. An elegance greets the palate with punchy tannins, fresh acidity and a rounded mouthfeel of vanilla and cranberry with hints of leather. This wine pairs beautifully with meaty entrees, cheeses and cured pork and beef.

Price: £20.40 from 8wines UK