Chianti Classico 2015 & 2016: Right Place, Right Time (Feb 2019)

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Chianti Classico 2015 & 2016: In the Right Place at the Right Time

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | FEBRUARY 22, 2019

As Vinous readers know, I have long championed Chianti Classico as a source for pedigreed, ageworthy wines that the average consumer can still afford. That is, thankfully, still true. In 2015 and 2016, wine lovers will find two genuinely great back to back vintages that arrive precisely at a time when producers are seeking greater finesse and precision. The results are nothing less than thrilling.

A view of Panzano’s famed Conca d’Oro

The Stellar 2015 Chianti Classicos, Redux

In my article, Chianti Classico: The Stellar 2015s and Surprising 2014s I wrote that “The 2015 vintage presents consumers with a tremendous opportunity to acquire fine, cellar worthy wines without spending a fortune. In 2015, the warm growing season yielded rich, sumptuous Chianti Classicos with great depth and intensity.” A year later, I feel the same way. The entry-level wines are a bit juicier than normal, generally a good thing for wines that are meant to be enjoyed upon release. At the high end, the best wines are incredibly exciting. Chianti Classico is a large appellation, so there are bound to be some areas and/or wines that are less successful. In 2015, that manifests itself in some wines that show blocked maturation in tannins that remain coarse, and others that were affected by rain during harvest. But those are very much the exceptions. Overall, 2015 is a very strong, and, in some cases, profound, vintage for Chianti Classico. The wines are rich and sumptuous, the result of an unrelentingly hot summer. Thankfully rain in mid-August was enough to restore balance and freshness in most wines.

Montevertine’s lineup goes from strength to strength

2016: A Classic Vintage in the Making

As good (or better) as the 2015s are, the 2016s have the potential to surpass them. A balanced growing season with no shock events produced a set of truly exceptional, highly promising wines. The 2016s are distinguished by their superb aromatic presence, silky tannins, layered fruit and fabulous sense of harmony. The 2016s I have tasted so far point to a high quality vintage that may very well turn out to be profound.

The State of the Union

Aside from two superb back-to back-vintages, the most obvious trend that is unfolding in Chianti Classico is a decisive move towards making wines of greater finesse and precision. Sangiovese is a variety that has the ability to convey considerable site-specific character. Picking a bit earlier and generally interfering with the fruit as minimally allowed many wines to be particularly strong in 2015, which is, of course great to see.

In Closing…

As I finished editing this article and looked at pricing, I could not help but notice how many top estates remain under the radar relative to the quality of their wines. Moreover, prices for most wines remain exceedingly fair. I hope readers will find an opportunity to explore Chianti Classico beyond the tried and true names, some of which are highlighted below.