At a glance

Producer

Castello di Querceto

Region

Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese (with minor permitted local varieties)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-28 USD

Tasting profile

Red cherry, blackcurrant, violet, subtle spice and earth; medium-bodied; well-integrated oak, fresh and lively finish

Evolution: Gains notes of dried herbs, forest floor, tobacco, and savory leather with age; develops silkier tannins

At peak: At peak: balanced tertiary aromas, softened mouthfeel, evolved fruit and savory complexity

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, vibrant and food-friendly

Tannins

Medium, slightly firm, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%-14% ABV (typical for the vintage and region)

Aging potential

Good for a Classico—will develop greater complexity and softness over the next 3-5 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2027

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Drinkable now, can age gracefully

Current condition

Fresh primary fruit, balanced structure, starting to integrate tannins and acidity

This wine, from a reputable Chianti Classico producer, is designed to be enjoyed within 5-8 years of vintage. Sangiovese’s acidity and tannins ensure positive evolution, with the best complexity reached around 5-7 years after harvest.

Food pairing

Tuscan cuisine, grilled meats, roasted pork, tomato-based pasta, aged Pecorino, mushroom risotto

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins and is slightly firm, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Integrated vineyard management, monitored water usage, low-input viticulture, increased use of cover crops and biodiversity plantings, reduced chemical treatments; some improvements in packaging weight and recycling

Castello di Querceto pursues sustainable and integrated viticulture but lacks formal organic or biodynamic certification. The estate reports lower pesticide use, water management, and biodiversity initiatives, but packaging is mostly traditional and there is no widespread use of alternative closures or low-emission logistics. The estate’s efforts are above basic compliance but fall short of industry-leading sustainability benchmarks.