At a glance

Producer

Tenuta di Nozzole

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (predominantly, with possible small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot as per DOCG rules)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$23-$32 USD

Tasting profile

Bright cherry, plum, raspberry, violet, savory herbs, spice, and a hint of earth; youthful grip from tannins and marked acidity.

Evolution: Deeper notes of leather, tobacco, dried flowers, and forest floor will emerge with age. Secondary notes and smoother texture after 3-7 years.

At peak: Silky texture, integrated tannins, nuanced cherry fruit, complex herbal and earthy notes, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Vivid, typical for Sangiovese and necessary for cellaring

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, firm but ripe

Alcohol

13.5-14% ABV, balanced for the style

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2031

Optimal window

2025 to 2035

Current status

Structured young Riserva from a strong vintage, still developing complexity.

Current condition

Can be enjoyed now with decanting, but will gain depth and harmony over 2-5 years; well-stored bottles can hold for 10+ years.

2021 is a well-regarded year in Chianti Classico with excellent balance of ripeness and freshness. The structure and pedigree of Tenuta di Nozzole Riserva allow this wine to age elegantly for a decade or more, revealing greater complexity after 2025, peaking 2026–2031, and maintaining quality through 2035.

Food pairing

Tuscan roast meats, bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled lamb, pasta with wild boar ragu, aged Pecorino, mushroom risotto, and herb-roasted poultry.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Opens aromatic complexity and softens youthful tannins for better texture and flavor integration.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management (IPM), reduced chemical input, cover cropping, solar panels in winery, water recycling, lighter bottle design to reduce packaging footprint, native vegetation maintained on estate.

Tenuta di Nozzole demonstrates solid commitment to sustainable viticulture: they have moved toward reduced-impact farming, renewable energy use, and responsible packaging. While not fully organic or biodynamic, their Equalitas certification confirms meaningful sustainability benchmarks within Italian wine. The estate’s ongoing efforts with energy and resource efficiency (solar power, water recapture), along with lighter packaging and biodiversity initiatives, place them above average for sustainability among Tuscan producers, though some transport emissions are inherent for global exports.