Frequently Asked Questions
Savor the elegance of Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva, a distinguished red wine crafted from estate-grown Sangiovese grapes in the heart of Tuscany's renowned Chianti Classico region. This expressive wine boasts a deep ruby hue with garnet reflections and a bouquet layered with persistent notes of raspberry, vanilla, and hints of oak derived from its meticulous aging in French and Slavonian barrels. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture, full body, and a harmonious blend of ripe cherries, plums, and subtle spice, accompanied by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Perfectly balanced, the finish lingers gracefully with a touch of minerality. Pair this award-winning DOCG wine with hearty dishes like braised meats, game, or mature cheeses for an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Process & Profile
The Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is crafted from carefully harvested Sangiovese grapes grown in the picturesque Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The vineyards are rooted in clay and calcareous soils, which impart a mineral character to the wine. After manual harvest, the grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration to enhance color and flavor extraction. Aging takes place for at least one year in a combination of French and Slavonian oak barrels, followed by additional aging in stainless steel, cement vats, and the bottle. This meticulous process ensures a robust, complex, and age-worthy wine with an alcohol content of 13.5%.Tasting Notes
The Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva delivers a sensory delight from start to finish. Its intense ruby red hue with garnet reflections hints at its depth and complexity. The bouquet captivates with aromas of black cherry, violet, and raspberry, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted oak from its aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with elegant, velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity that balances its richness. Flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries, plum, and hints of mocha and licorice create a layered and harmonious profile. The finish is long and persistent, with a warm and generous character.What Makes It Special?
- Heritage & Tradition: Crafted by Carpineto, a renowned winery established in 1967, this Riserva embodies the legacy of Tuscan winemaking.
- Single-Vineyard Quality: The wine is made exclusively from hand-selected grapes, showcasing the best of the Chianti Classico terroir.
- Aging Potential: Its robust structure and refined tannins allow it to age gracefully for 10-15 years, developing even greater complexity over time.
- Awards & Recognition: Consistently rated above 90 points by critics like Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Jeb Dunnuck, the Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva stands out as a hallmark of quality.
How to Enjoy
Pairings: This wine's versatility makes it a companion to a variety of dishes. Pair it with:- Grilled or roasted red meats like beef or lamb.
- Traditional Italian dishes such as pasta with hearty tomato-based sauces or osso buco.
- Aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Serve between 15-18°C (59-64°F) to unlock its aromatic complexity.
- Decant for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to allow its flavors to fully develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the composition of Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva?
This wine is predominantly made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo grapes, which are grown in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany.
How is the wine aged?
Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is aged for at least one year in a combination of French barriques and Slovenian oak casks. It is then refined for 6 months in steel and cement vats before bottling. Post-bottling maturation can range from 3 months to over a year, varying by vintage.
What are the tasting notes of this wine?
This Riserva features intense aromas of violets, berries, and cherries. On the palate, it is velvety, well-rounded, and full-bodied, with subtle oak integration and a long, persistent finish of black fruits and spices.
What food pairs well with Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva?
This wine pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, game, and mature cheeses. It also complements dishes like tomato-based pasta, roasted pork, or braised lamb.
What is the alcohol content of this wine?
The alcohol content of Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is 12.5% by volume.
How long can I cellar this wine?
This wine has an aging potential of 6 to 8 years, depending on the vintage, during which its flavors and complexity will continue to enhance.
What is the ideal serving temperature?
The wine is best served at a temperature of 61–65°F (16–18°C) in a large glass with a narrow rim to concentrate its aromas.
What makes a Chianti Classico Riserva different from a regular Chianti?
Chianti Classico Riserva wines must be aged for a minimum of 24 months, with higher quality standards for grape selection and winemaking. The result is a more complex, full-bodied wine with greater depth and integration of flavors.
What are some notable accolades for Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva?
This wine has consistently received high ratings from critics for various vintages, including 92 points from Wine Spectator and 93 points from Wine Advocate for specific years.
What distinguishes Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva from other wines in the Chianti Classico category?
Carpineto uses estate-owned vineyards to ensure quality and a unique aging process that includes French and Slovenian oak, followed by steel and cement vats. This careful craftsmanship results in a wine with balanced structure, elegance, and persistence.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
You may also like
More from Red Wine
Recently viewed
