“The 2020 vintage is more herbal than usual, with sage, thyme and a citrussy character, then its typical peach kernel core. The attack is full, silky, concentrated and textured, yet vibrant on the finish.One of the most sought after white wines of Italy, with proven ability to age, Batàr originates from vineyards in Ruffoli, in Greve in Chianti, some of which reach 600m. The Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes are fermented and aged for nine months in French oak. It's a very classic white SuperTuscan (first vintage was 1988) with a stylish Corton-Charlemagne attitude.”

Rich and round, this red exudes black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary and iron flavors. Reveals dense tannins on the finish, leaving a tight feel, yet this lingers. Drink now through 2029.
 

“I have not tasted this wine in a while, and it's a delight to come back to it now. Compared to older vintages, I find this blend of equal parts Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay to be quite improved. The organic 2020 Batàr (with 20,000 bottles made) offers fresh, citrusy tones with lemon curd and candied peach. This barrique-aged white also offers mid-weight density and plenty of orchard fruit, saffron and light spice. It concludes with fresh acidity.”

“This is my first sample of a Gran Selezione by Querciabella. Made with certified organic fruit (and sporting a hefty price tag), the 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Querciabella draws its fruit from the Ruffoli Vineyard in Greve in Chianti with vines planted in schistous galestro and sandstone soils at a cool 500 meters in elevation. This vintage comes off as open and accessible with warm-vintage fruit, tobacco, crushed stone and dried rose. There is a hint of soft cherry ripeness. The wine comes in a heavy glass bottle with 4,000 of them made.”

“Readers looking for a serious, yet polished style will love the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva. Dark layers of menthol, licorice, black cherry, and incense intertwine and unfold in the glass. Full and generous with red and black fruit, it has a remarkable weightlessness while simultaneously delivering beautiful concentration. With ripe tannins, notes of blood orange zest, red plum, and salty earth, and a refreshing snap of acidity on the finish, it is approachable in its youth and will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years. This is an outstanding wine to snap up.”