At a glance

Producer

Fattoria Rodáno

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (predominantly, with minor local varieties)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$30 USD (750ml, typical retail range)

Tasting profile

Bright cherry, crushed violets, subtle dried herbs, fresh earth, a hint of balsamic. Medium-bodied, lively and pure.

Evolution: Red fruit will evolve into deeper cherry/plum tones, more pronounced tertiary notes (leather, tobacco, underbrush). Tannins will soften further.

At peak: At peak, expect a harmonious balance of fruit, acid, and evolved earth/leather elements with lingering freshness.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, classic Tuscan freshness

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained, well-integrated, gently firm

Alcohol

13-14% ABV (typical for the estate and vintage)

Aging potential

Solid for Chianti Classico; 8-12 years in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2027

Optimal window

2021 to 2030

Current status

Drinking beautifully young, but will improve with additional bottle age

Current condition

Good structure and freshness. Primary fruit and floral notes with developing complexity

This estate is recognized for producing classically styled Chianti Classico with moderate extraction and reliable structure. The 2018 vintage was balanced and not overly warm. The wine has the bones for a decade, but peak performance with maximum aromatic complexity and textural harmony is likely between 2023 and 2027, after which freshness will gently fade.

Food pairing

Excellent with Florentine steak, wild boar ragu, tomato-based pasta, aged Pecorino, or roast chicken with herbs.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins and is 7 years old, which can benefit from decanting to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Minimal chemical inputs, hand-harvesting, mostly estate-grown fruit, grass cover cropping, solar energy use on property, conscious water use. Limited new oak and local suppliers for bottling and packaging.

Fattoria Rodáno is well-regarded for stewardship of the land and adhering to many organic/biodynamic principles, though without official certification. Vineyard management avoids synthetic inputs, focuses on biodiversity, and minimizes intervention in both vineyard and cellar. Energy and water use are notably moderate with increasing adoption of renewables, but not at leading-edge. Packaging and freight for export are average, with no lightweight glass or novel closure/transport efficiencies. Overall, their operations are above-average in Tuscany for sustainability, especially based on commitment to organic practices.