Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva 2020
Rocca delle Macìe · Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
At a glance
- Producer
- Rocca delle Macìe
- Region
- Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
- Grape variety
- Sangiovese (with possible minor complementary grapes as allowed by DOCG)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $18–$28 USD (international retail range)
Tasting profile
Bright red cherry, cranberries, violets, hints of dried herbs, subtle oak spice; fresh acidity and grip.
Evolution: With age, develops dried cherry, forest floor, sweet tobacco, more complex earthy and savoury notes.
At peak: At peak, expect harmoniously integrated fruit and oak, polished tannins, and layered, savoury complexity.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium-plus, vibrant (classic for Sangiovese from Chianti Classico).
- Tannins
- Medium to medium-plus, fine-grained; noticeable but not aggressive.
- Alcohol
- Typically between 13.5% and 14.5% ABV.
- Aging potential
- Good, typical for Chianti Classico Riserva; 7–10 years from vintage, possibly longer in ideal cellaring.
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2026 to 2029
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2031
- Current status
- Likely just entering early drinking window but will benefit from further aging.
- Current condition
- Youthful, fruit-forward with notable structure; some primary oak and tannin still integrating.
This wine follows a classic Riserva profile: accessible young, but markedly improved with several years of bottle age as tannin and acidity integrate and tertiary notes add complexity. The peak is generally between 6-9 years post-vintage.
Food pairing
Roast lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino, tomato-based pasta dishes, or rustic Italian braises.
Serving
- Decant
- Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to medium-plus tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help integrate the aromas and improve the overall drinking experience.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Integrated pest management, solar energy, water conservation, use of lighter-weight bottles, vineyard cover crops for soil health.
Rocca delle Macìe is recognized for a growing commitment to environmental and social sustainability, holding the Equalitas certification since 2021, which covers a holistic set of sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery. However, without full organic or biodynamic certification, and with inevitable emissions from global shipping, the sustainability profile is strong for a major producer but not best-in-class. Local sales (Italy/EU) have a lower carbon impact relative to overseas markets.