Fattoria Montecchio Chianti Classico Riserva 2017

"A deep violet color, the wine displays aromas of spices, wild herbs, and mature red fruits. On the palate, the wine is soft and elegant with fine tannins and notes of sage, myrtle, rosemary and vanilla. Notes of red fruits, pepper and licorice add an interesting spiciness before a harmonious and persistent finish." —winemaker

Blend: 85% Carignano, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

"Dense, ripe and lush berries with a hint of dark chocolate. This is a wine of power and elegance, harmonic and enticing. The finish is long and satisfying. The grapes selected for this wine must meet the requirements of body, color and alcohol content suitable for aging and duration in the bottle." —winemaker

Blend: 50% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 20% Corvinone, 10% other authorized grapes

"A full-bodied wine of intense red fruit flavor and and elegantly supple texture supported by ripe, silky tannins. The Merlot in the blend is expressed in sweet black fruit with overall aromas of ripe, concentrated berries offset by restrained spicy oak notes." —winemaker

"This is a wine of great class, appreciated by enthusiasts for its majestic style and complexity. A deep red in color, it has an expansive bouquet with aromas of blackberries, cherries and violets. On the palate it displays spicy tones reminiscent of chocolate and freshly roasted coffee, as well as vanilla notes from its long maturation in wood. The mouthfeel is velvety and well-balanced with gentle tannins and a long finish." —winemaker

"Very intense ruby red color, the nose reveals an enticing range of steeped cherry and fig cake flavors with accents of dried thyme, pomegranate and espresso. In the mouth it is creamy and with lightly firm tannins and acidity that’s just at the right level to accentuate and perpetuate the flavors. The whole tasting is embellished with a very pleasant tannic texture, which fades towards a spiced finish of excellent persistence." —winemaker

Blend: 50% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta

"The wine shows a deep, youthful red, tending to ruby. Rich, well-ripened fruit is surprisingly intense on the nose, with compelling and seductive fragrances. The entry reveals a superb structure and a palate of spacious proportions, but one with a velvet-smooth tannin weave, rounded texture, and developed qualities that are still in vigorous evolution. In sum, a young, self-confident wine, one to be enjoyed tonight or one to consign to future dreams of a well-cellared, long-lived red." —winemaker

"Dark red hue in appearance. Concentrated, fragrant nose with top notes of cherry jam and cranberries, followed by hints of plum, dried fruit and cocoa. On the palate it is full, round, with velvety tannins, pleasantly tangy with a long finish, with notes of red berries and an alluring full flavor." —winemaker

Wine Anthology Team Review- Only the ripest grapes that are picked in late October get chosen for this wine. Then the drying process begins (the Appassimento method) until the following January. The wine then gets put into Slovenion oak barrels and finishes the aging process. The result is a rich and lush wine that displays deep fruit flavors, hints of smoke and a deliciously, elongated finish. You can't do better for under $40. Cheers!