2021 De Vasari Chianti Riserva DOCG, Tuscany

De Vasari takes its inspiration from the classic wines of Tuscany, with the Riserva giving Sangiovese the extra time it needs to move beyond bright primary fruit into the savoury territory that makes mature Chianti so satisfying. The 2021 vintage is particularly attractive here, coming from an excellent Tuscan season that produced Sangiovese with ripe fruit, freshness and beautifully formed tannins.

Riserva ageing gives the wine more depth than a youthful Chianti, softening the structure and allowing those characteristic earthy and spicy notes to emerge. With a few years now behind it, the 2021 is settling into a lovely drinking phase where cherry and plum remain lively but tobacco, herbs and leather are beginning to make themselves known.

Medium ruby garnet, the bouquet opens with Morello cherry, red plum and dried cranberry, followed by violet, blood orange and oregano. Tobacco leaf, anise, black tea, leather and a little warm terracotta emerge with air. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with cherry and plum carried by lively acidity and gently dusty tannins. Dried herbs, orange peel and tobacco gather through the middle before a dry, earthy finish.

Pappardelle with duck ragù would be excellent, alongside pork and fennel meatballs in tomato sugo, porcini risotto, eggplant parmigiana or a spicy salami and roasted capsicum pizza. Our pick is the duck ragù. Rich, slow cooked duck and tomato against Sangiovese’s cherry, herbs and savoury acidity is exactly what a bottle of Riserva is waiting for.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.