2021 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany

Olives, tomato leaves, mushrooms and cherry stones on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced and with tasty salty and savory undertones. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

90 points jamessuckling.com

2021 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico DOCG is a beautifully authentic expression of Sangiovese that captures the heart and soul of Chianti Classico without polish or pretence. The estate sits just outside Panzano in Chianti, one of the region’s sweet spots, with vineyards planted on rolling hills at altitude. Galestro and limestone rich soils, warm Tuscan days and cool nights give the wine its balance of ripe fruit, savoury detail and natural acidity.

San Fabiano Calcinaia has been family owned for generations and remains very much a working Tuscan farm rather than a showpiece winery. Olive groves, vines and woodland all coexist, and that sense of place carries straight into the wines. The approach in the cellar is traditional and restrained, focused on Sangiovese purity rather than oak gloss or extraction. This is Chianti Classico made the old way, with patience and respect for vineyard character.

The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as outstanding in Chianti Classico, combining ripeness with freshness and structure. Aromatically, the wine is expressive and inviting. Sour cherry, red plum and wild strawberry sit at the core, followed by violet, dried herbs and a gentle earthy note. There is a subtle savoury edge, hints of leather, tea leaf and warm Tuscan dust that give the wine real personality.

On the palate, it is medium bodied and beautifully poised. Bright red fruit flows through the mid palate, supported by lively acidity that keeps everything fresh and food friendly. The tannins are fine and slightly grippy, classic Sangiovese tannins that give shape without heaviness. Oak sits quietly in the background, adding structure rather than flavour. The finish is long, dry and gently savoury, with cherry, herb and earthy notes lingering.

This is a Chianti Classico made for the table. It shines with pasta ragù, grilled meats, roast chicken, porcini mushrooms or a simple pizza with good olive oil. While delicious now for its vibrancy and charm, it will also age comfortably over eight to twelve years, gaining more savoury and tertiary complexity with time.

2021 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico DOCG is honest, soulful and deeply Tuscan. A wine that reminds you why Chianti Classico remains one of the world’s great food wines when it is made with restraint, tradition and a clear sense of place.