Tenuta San Jacopo "Poggio ai Grilli" Chianti Riserva 2019

What does Chianti Riserva mean?
The primary difference between Chianti and Chianti Riserva lies in aging requirements. Chianti must be aged for a minimum of 12 months, while Chianti Riserva must be aged for at least 24 months, allowing it to develop more complex flavors. Riserva wines often have deeper, more refined characteristics, with richer tannins, more pronounced oak influences, and a smoother finish. Chianti Riserva typically shows greater depth and structure due to the extended aging process, making it suitable for longer cellaring.

It's often said that Italian wines, like many wines from Europe, are meant to be enjoyed with food. The food and wine complement each other and enhanes the dining experience as a whole. This Chianti Riserva with its balanced acidity and smooth tannins complement roasted meats like lamb or beef, especially with rich sauces such as a balsamic reduction. The wine’s earthy notes make it an excellent match for mushrooms, wild game, and aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Additionally, dishes with a savory, herbal profile, such as a pasta with tomato and basil or grilled vegetables, can enhance the wine's aromatic complexity. I'm thinking a pasta with a bolognese sauce, for a vegetarian spin - I think a eggplant parmesan sounds divine.

A fun local legend surrounding Tenuta San Jacopo involves the belief that the historic villa is haunted. Farmers working the land for generations have whispered tales of mysterious happenings at night—strange noises and flickering lights around the villa. Some claim the spirit of an old nobleman, who once resided there, still roams the grounds. While the Cattaneo family embraces the villa’s rich history with a respectful reverence for its past, the playful ghost stories continue to be part of the estate’s charm, adding a touch of mystique to the property.

The 2019 growing season had favorable weather conditions, including a mild winer, a warm spring, and a hot sumer, which allowed the grapes to ripen beautifully, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. The 2019 vintage is known for a richer fruit character, smooth tannins, and overall balance. Many producers point to great aging potential for this wine - perfect for collectors and enthusiasts.

90 points James Suckling.

The Chianti growing region is renowned for its unique soil composition and climate, which provide the perfect conditions for producing high-quality wines. The area features a mix of clay and limestone soils that promote good drainage and ensure that vines can thrive even in hot, dry summers. The moderate altitude, combined with cool breezes from the Apennine mountains, helps preserve acidity in the grapes, essential for crafting wines with freshness and structure. The proximity to the Tuscan hills further enhances the region's appeal, creating a perfect microclimate for viticulture.

Tenuta San Jacopo's vineyards share many of the same advantages as the broader Chianti region, with their location nestled between the Valdarno and Chianti hills. The estate benefits from an ideal altitude and the same limestone-rich soils that characterize the best wine-growing areas in Tuscany. The vineyards' strategic position, close to both Chianti and Valdarno, offers an excellent balance of sunshine and breeze, contributing to the vibrant, fruity character and smooth tannins that define their wines. The estate's commitment to organic farming ensures that the terroir’s full potential is expressed in every bottle.