What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella
The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG "Piano del Sarti" 2017 - Tenuta La Novella is an authentic expression of the Tuscan territory, where Sangiovese is the absolute protagonist. This wine is born on the hills of Chianti Classico, between Florence and Siena, an area that has represented Italian wine excellence for centuries. With an intense color and a substantial body, it is an elegant yet accessible Riserva, capable of combining tradition and finesse.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a warm and dry climate, which favored a harvest of healthy and concentrated grapes. Lower yields resulted in wines of great structure and aromatic complexity. The result is a balanced Chianti Classico Riserva, with well-integrated fruity notes and a long, harmonious finish.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking process of the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG "Piano del Sarti" 2017 - Tenuta La Novella follows traditional methods, with fermentation in steel at controlled temperatures to preserve the purity of the fruit. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately three weeks, allowing for optimal extraction of color and tannins. Aging takes place in oak barrels for at least 24 months, followed by a period in the bottle to complete the wine's harmony.
Tasting Notes
A wine that truly expresses Chianti Classico in its most sincere form: elegant, profound, and highly drinkable.
Color
It presents with an intense ruby red color, which tends towards garnet with age, a sign of natural and harmonious evolution.
Nose
On the nose, it offers complex aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and violet, with a pleasant balsamic undertone and spicy hints of vanilla and black pepper from the wood aging.
Taste
On the palate, it is structured and enveloping, with fine and well-integrated tannins. The typical freshness of Sangiovese balances the softness of the body, offering a long, harmonious, and persistent finish. A wine that invites new sips, perfectly balanced between power and elegance.
What dishes to pair with Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella
The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG "Piano del Sarti" 2017 - Tenuta La Novella is an ideal companion for Tuscan cuisine and flavorful dishes. Thanks to its structure and balanced freshness, it lends itself to numerous pairings:
- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Game dishes, such as wild boar or stewed hare
- Pasta with meat ragù or pappardelle with hare sauce
- Aged cheeses and Tuscan pecorino cheeses
A perfect wine also for accompanying more modern dishes, such as gourmet burgers or mushroom risottos.
Storage and aging: how to store Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella
To best appreciate its qualities, this wine deserves proper storage. The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG "Piano del Sarti" 2017 - Tenuta La Novella should be stored in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and humidity around 70%. The bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork always remains moist and ensures a perfect seal over time.
This vintage has excellent aging potential: if properly stored, it can evolve for over 10 years, developing increasingly complex aromas and an even more velvety texture. Ideal to uncork today, but even more fascinating if allowed to mature in the cellar.
La Novella Estate
The History of Tenuta la Novella Winery Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Tenuta la Novella winery boasts a long winemaking tradition that combines ancient art with modern innovation. Founded on lands that speak of a rich heritage of passions handed down through time, the estate stands out for its...
How to best open and serve Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This step allows natural sediments that may form during aging to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing with the wine during pouring.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
To best appreciate the aromatic and structural characteristics of this Chianti Classico Riserva, the recommended serving temperature is between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine has been stored in a cellar, allow it to acclimatize for about 30 minutes at room temperature before opening.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever corkscrew to ensure a gentle opening, avoiding damage to the cork, especially if it is natural cork. Follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the protective capsule, cutting it just below the rim of the bottle neck.
- Clean the neck with a dry, clean cloth to remove any dust or mold residue.
- Insert the corkscrew worm into the center of the cork, screwing it in slowly and without forcing.
- Extract the cork with a smooth, controlled motion, avoiding sudden jerks.
4. Inspection and Initial Tasting
Upon opening, visually inspect the cork: it should be moist but not soaked. Pour a small amount of wine into the glass for an initial evaluation. Observe the color, smell the bouquet, and taste to check for any oxidative defects or unpleasant aromas. The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella should offer notes of ripe cherry, spices, and light woody nuances.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Being an aged wine, decanting is recommended to enhance its aromatic complexity. Perform it as follows:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and controlling the flow.
- Stop pouring as soon as the sediments begin to reach the neck of the bottle.
- Allow the wine to oxygenate for about 30-45 minutes, depending on the desired aromatic intensity.
This process allows the Chianti Classico Riserva to open up and release its complex and deep aromas to their fullest.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large structured red wine glasses, which encourage full aromatic expression. Pour moderate amounts, filling at most one-third of the glass to allow the wine to oxygenate further. During dinner, keep the bottle at a constant temperature, perhaps with a thermal bucket without ice.
7. Storage After Opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, reseal it with a vacuum stopper and store it in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place. The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 'Piano del Sarti' 2017 - Tenuta La Novella will maintain good organoleptic integrity for about 2-3 days. Before re-tasting, allow the wine to return to room temperature to fully appreciate its aromas and smoothness.