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2021 Carleone Chianti Classico

2021 Carleone Chianti Classico

94DC
93RP
93VN
92JS
$34.99

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94

Decanter

Reviewed February 2024
Based in Radda, Tenuta di Carleone farms several parcels throughout this sector and beyond. The focus is always on high altitude sites, from which Sean O’Callaghan coaxes extraordinary purity of Sangiovese while confidently pushing the boundaries of winemaking. The 2021 is another beautiful success: it marries floral scents of rose and lilac with spicy herbs and summer berries. On the palate, plump cherries drip with succulent juiciness. Then, assertive chalky tannins take hold, drawing the wine out with savoury length. Very satisfying. (MM)

Professional Reviews

93

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 07/2024
With fruit blended from various sites, this is a classical expression of Sangiovese that offers a good amount of varietal character along the way. That's all you can ask for from a wine like the Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Chianti Classico. What's more, you get the pleasure of drinking a rather funky (I mean that in the "cool" sense) interpretation from one of Italy's storied winemaking regions. The wine aged in stainless steel, cement and neutral oak, and the quality of the fruit is extremely bright with lots of red berry fruit and plump cherry. There are delicate notes of crushed rock and rosemary oil, like when you brush your hand over the plant. I love that tart acidity on the finish. (ML)

93

Vinous

Review Date: 07/2024
The 2021 Chianti Classico, 100% Sangiovese from Radda, is sublime. Aromatic and delineated, with terrific energy, the 2021 soars out of the glass. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and new leather all come alive in the glass. The 2022 spent two to three months on the skins, with about 40% whole clusters. Aging was done in a combination of vessels with the goal of building complexity in the final blend. It is an exceptional wine in every way. (AG)

92

James Suckling

Review Date: 11/2023
Toasted spices, smoky cedar, walnuts and ripe red and dark berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and chewy with firm tannins and juicy acidity. Lengthy and velvety. Drink or hold.

Staff Reviews

OC
Orazio Campoli

Orazio Campoli

K&L Buyer
Review Date: 04/2025
Sourced from high-altitude vineyards and fermented in a mix of concrete and wood, this is a lean, lifted, and savory expression of Sangiovese. Red cherries, wild herbs and crushed stone that lift the wine to another level. The grapes are hand-picked, and the wine goes through a really long maceration of about 2 months. The style of this Chianti is bright, linear and symphonic. What a Chianti.
JD
John Downing

John Downing

In my opinion, the winemaker at this estate is one of the most talented in Tuscany. Sean O'Callaghan spent many years at Riecine winery in Chianti and was tapped in 2012 to craft the wines of Carleone. He employs organic and biodynamic farming practices and maintains a "hands-off" approach in the cellar. This outstanding 100 percent Sangiovese is aged entirely in stainless steel and cement vats and captures the essence of Sangiovese. It's certainly among the more impressive Chianti Classicos we've tasted of late and we're pleased to offer this rare treat from Tuscany.

Notes

Produced by Tenuta di Carleone, this Chianti Classico offers a fresh and modern take on the classic Sangiovese from the heart of Tuscany. Tenuta di Carleone, located in the picturesque hills of Radda in Chianti, has quickly gained a reputation for crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines that combine tradition with a minimalist winemaking approach. This Chianti Classico is sourced from high-altitude vineyards, lending it vibrancy and structure. On the nose, the Carleone Chianti Classico reveals aromas of ripe red cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, with hints of rose petals, herbs, and a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied and lively, with bright acidity that lifts the fresh red fruit flavors. Silky tannins provide structure without overpowering the wine’s elegance, and the finish is long and refreshing, with lingering notes of earth and a hint of wild herbs.

Details

OriginChianti, Tuscany, Italy
Type/VarietalSangiovese
Alcohol Content15%
SKU1765289