At a glance

Producer

Tenuta di Nozzole

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (predominantly, typically 100% or minor traditional blending)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$22-35

Tasting profile

Ripe cherry, black raspberry, red currant, balsamic herb, dried violet, hints of tobacco and cedar, with spice from oak aging (vanilla, sweet wood), firm backbone.

Evolution: With 3-8 additional years, expect integration of tannins, emergence of dried fruit notes (marasca, fig), earthy forest floor, leather, and greater savory complexity.

At peak: Silky, harmonious balance of fruit, earth, and secondary spice notes, with a lingering finish and softened tannins.

Structure

Acidity

High, classic Tuscan vibrancy

Tannins

Medium-firm, moderately fine-grained, typical for well-structured Chianti Classico Riserva

Alcohol

13.5-14% ABV (typical for the style/vintage)

Aging potential

10-13 years from vintage; strong acidity and robust tannins support mid-term aging

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2032

Optimal window

2024 to 2035

Current status

Structured and youthful; will improve with cellaring.

Current condition

Approachable with decanting but best from 2025-onward; aging will add complexity.

2021 was a classic, structured vintage in Chianti Classico, with strong concentration and freshness—this Riserva bottling is built for mid-term cellaring, reaching its harmonious best by 2026-2032 but showing well through 2035 in good storage. While approachable relatively early, the best complexity emerges after 3-6 years in bottle.

Food pairing

Excellent with classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù, truffled pasta, roast pork, hard cheeses (Pecorino, aged Parmesan), mushroom risotto, or hearty vegetarian dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Benefits from oxygenation to soften youthful tannins and reveal aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Tenuta di Nozzole, part of the Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari group, employs integrated pest management, manual harvesting, and some estate-wide biodiversity initiatives. No official organic certification, but focus on reduced chemical inputs and energy-efficient winemaking.

While Tenuta di Nozzole demonstrates clear steps towards sustainable viticulture—such as habitat preservation, judicious chemical use, and commitment to local ecosystems—there is no official organic or sustainability certification. Packaging is somewhat lighter than classic heavy Tuscan bottles, modestly lowering transport impact. However, the estate can further improve on renewable energy use, carbon-neutral shipping, and water conservation. Overall, this wine scores 'middle of the pack' for sustainability among mid-sized Tuscan producers.