What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 - Tenuta di Nozzole, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari?

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 from Tenuta di Nozzole is produced in Greve in Chianti, in the heart of authentic Tuscany. It is an elegant and deep red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, the emblematic varietal of this region, which expresses its maximum complexity here thanks to vineyards located around 300 meters above sea level. The wine's body is structured, harmonious, and expertly balanced between freshness, fruit, and tannin, resulting in a perfectly balanced Chianti Classico Riserva.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with a warm but not extreme summer and a regular harvest. This allowed the grapes to ripen uniformly, ensuring great aromatic intensity and a fine tannic structure. The result is a vintage that combines concentration and elegance, offering pleasant drinkability even when young, but with excellent aging potential over time.

Vinification and Aging

The fermentation of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 - Tenuta di Nozzole takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature to best preserve the purity of the fruit and the integrity of the aromas. This is followed by a maceration phase—the contact of the must with the grape skins—for about three weeks, which helps extract color and soft tannins. Aging continues for approximately 16 months in French oak barriques, which impart depth and complexity without overpowering the typical characteristics of Sangiovese. A period of rest in the bottle completes the maturation, refining the wine's aromatic and gustatory profile.

Tasting Notes

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 stands out for its refined and authentic style, a successful synthesis of Tuscan classicism and modern elegance.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, indicative of harmonious evolution. The brilliance of the color hints at the freshness and vitality of the sip.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and enveloping, with notes of ripe cherry, plum, and violet blending with nuances of sweet spices, tobacco, and subtle balsamic hints. A complex yet always balanced nose, where the wood integrates perfectly with the fruity component.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full and harmonious. The tannins, well-present but velvety, accompany a deep and coherent gustatory texture. The persistence is long, with elegant returns of red fruit and a slight spiciness on the finish. The sip reveals the great aging capacity of the Riserva, without sacrificing a pleasant softness that makes it satisfying even today.

Food Pairings for Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 - Tenuta di Nozzole, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari

This Chianti Classico Riserva is the ideal companion for traditional Tuscan dishes and robust meat-based recipes. Here are some suggestions:

• Grilled red meats and herb-scented roasts
• Braised and stewed red meats
• Game, such as wild boar stew
• Aged cheeses or Tuscan pecorino cheeses

Its structure and elegance also make it perfect for accompanying simpler dishes, such as pasta with ragù or ribollita: it enhances every flavor without overpowering it.

Storage and Aging: How to store Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'La Forra' 2021 - Tenuta di Nozzole, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and humidity of 70-75%. Bottles should be kept on their side, so that the cork remains slightly damp.

The Chianti Classico Riserva 'La Forra' 2021 has excellent aging potential: it can evolve in the bottle for 10-12 years, developing further nuances of complexity and softness. Over time, the fruity notes will give way to tertiary hints of leather, spices, and earth, typical of great Tuscan red wines.