My Favorite Wine, September 1, 2021

2015 Pagliarese

Chianti Classico Riserva

On Sale for $19.99

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Chianti Classico is the village of Castelnuovo Berardenga, a sunny landscape of rolling hills dedicated primarily to the Sangiovese cultivar. The limestone and sandstone vineyards of the area offer all the tension and litheness one expects from Sangiovese, presenting these characteristics in an unusually supple fashion. For my taste this special subzone produces the most generous and pleasurable examples of all the Chianti communes. The best examples radiate warmth and immediate fruit whilst maintaining firmness and structure. 

The historic Pagliarese estate calls Berardenga home and has only recently returned to market with an aim to recapture the labels prior acclaim of the 70’s and 80’s. The estates 2015 Riserva is composed of mostly Sangiovese with small inclusions of the local Mammolo and Canaiolo, as the winery chooses to eschew the addition of international varietals such as Merlot or Syrah. Opening with aromas of cooked cherry and subtle baking spices, the Pagliarese shows just the beginnings of maturity on the nose. The palate is soft and savory, featuring plush red fruit and a silky, medium bodied texture. The finish adds persistent acidity, keeping one ready for another glass. 

The 2015 Pagliarese Chianti Classico Riserva is a complete wine which is just hitting its prime drinking window and at $19.99 offers a welcome reminder that truly great values exist even in the most well known of winemaking regions. We have ten cases available.

Let us know of your interest and thank you as always,

Ian.