Nittardi Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Nittardi Riserva Selezionata is released only in the best years. This special selection is grown on the southern slope of the hillside Vigna Alta, at almost 500 m (1,640 ft.) above sea level.

This Vino da Meditazione combines the best aspects of the Nittardi terroir with the philosophy of oenologist Carlo Ferrini. Internationally respected wine guides such as Gambero Rosso, Decanter, Wine Spectator and James Suckling regularly give Nittardi Riserva the highest of ratings.

Winemaker notes

Intense dark red, nose of blueberry, dark cherry, ripe blackberry and garrigue with notes of exotic spices. Medium palate with elegant tannins and excellent freshness Outstanding texture, remarkable fine grained tannins with a long & persisting finish. Nittardi Gran Selezione 2020 is still a young wine and it will be exciting to follow the evolution of it for the next 20 years. This Chianti Classico matches perfectly to the creative Tuscan cuisine. It should be served at around 18° C.

2019

James Suckling 93: Aromas of cherries and orange peel with crushed stones and crabapples. Floral undertones, too. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a long, persistent finish. Linear and fine. Drink or hold. Can age.

Falstaff 93: Rich, bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Bloody, meaty and slightly earthy on the nose, with fine nuances of cranberry and blackcurrant. Polished on the palate, with supple fruit and tightly woven, slightly astringent tannins, spreads out nicely, shows good emphasis with filigree toughness.

2020

Wine Advocate 94: Here's an exciting new top-shelf submission from Nittardi. The organic 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (in the black label) is a very full and generous wine with a full-bodied approach that reflects a hot vintage. The wine is inky dark in appearance and redolent of black fruit, sweet spice and campfire embers. There is sweet oak cinnamon on the close. This is 100% Sangiovese, and 10,000 bottles will be hitting the market at the end of 2023.

James Suckling 93: Notes of red and dark berries with hints of chocolate, walnut and ground cloves. Medium- to full-bodied and structured with chalky tannins and vivid acidity. Bright and juicy and very gastronomic with a savory finish. Drink or hold.

Decanter 95: Located in the heart of Chianti Classico and once owned by Renaissance artist Michelangelo, Nittardi has been owned by Peter Femfert and his wife since 1981. The Gran Selezione is sourced from the Vigna Alta vineyard at 500m with soils composed of alberese and galestro. 100% Sangiovese, it’s fermented in stainless steel with 24 months of ageing in 500L French and Austrian barrels, 20% new, then six months in concrete. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Layers of red cherries, wood spice, cedar and smoke on both nose and palate. Full-bodied. Thick tannins and smooth, balanced acidity. Sara Bachiorri: Cured meat, fresh and dried dark and red fruit. Leather, tobacco and spices on the long finish. A wine for an important, meaty main course. Complex and entertaining. Jason Millar: An ambitious, modern style. Blackberries on buttered toast on the nose, then a dense, chewy palate with black fruit concentration and tea leaves.

Falstaff 94: Intense, bright ruby with a dark core. Pronounced aromas of preserved blackberries, cherries, tobacco leaf and meadow herbs on the nose. Textured fruit on the palate, supportive acidity, fine-grained tannins, deep and persistent.