I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about Chianti Classico and its wines. My July trip included a number of truly memorable estate visits, two unforgettable verticals, and the thrill of discovering a handful of wineries that were new to me. The top 2016s have turned out to be just as extraordinary as I had hoped they would be, and the 2017s, while less consistent, have plenty to offer as well.
Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016
he 2016 Riserva is an attractive wine built on aromatics and structure (…)
I very much like the energy here.
93+/100
· · ·Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG 2017
Pliant and supple, with terrific balance, (…) one of the more refined,
restrained Chianti Classicos readers will come across in this vintage
92/100
Readers can look forward to a positively stunning set of wines from Querciabella this year and in the near future. Winemaker Manfred Ing and his team continue to fine-tune the approach here, but frankly, what comes through most is the tremendous passion behind everything at Querciabella. As for the wines themselves, the 2017s I have tasted so far are promising. It was not an easy year. Frost in May was especially damaging on the lower hillsides and wiped out as much as 60% of the crop in some spots. The 2016s benefit from a very even growing season. That effortless grace comes through in majestic, soaring wines that are likely to become benchmarks here. In 2015, canopy management and then gentle extractions in the winery were the key to getting most out of the fruit in a very warm vintage. Judging by the wines, it certainly looks like Ing and his team are making all the right moves.
— Antonio Galloni · Vinous
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Roberto Lasorte and Manfred Ing portrait Antonio Galloni courtesy
