In his latest Vinous report, Chianti Classico: Riding Out the Storm, Antonio Galloni celebrates Querciabella as one of the region’s brightest stars in an otherwise turbulent pair of vintages.
Following the extraordinary 2021 harvest, producers in Chianti Classico faced far greater challenges in 2022 and 2023. The 2022 season was marked by extreme heat and drought, capped by a violent mid-August storm that devastated parts of the region. In 2023, relentless spring rains brought widespread outbreaks of downy mildew, resulting in dramatic crop losses across many vineyards.
Despite these hurdles, Querciabella’s wines stood out for their poise, precision, and purity of expression. Galloni highlights the estate’s precise viticulture, meticulous teamwork, and distinctive high-altitude vineyards in Greve, Lamole, and Radda, which allowed Querciabella to navigate the unpredictability of recent seasons with remarkable grace.
His praise extends beyond viticultural choices—he also recognises the leadership of Andrea, Selene, and Mita Castiglioni, alongside CEO Roberto Lasorte, for guiding the estate with vision and integrity.
With scores likely to place Querciabella’s Gran Selezione, Riserva, and Chianti Classico among the highest in this year’s report, Galloni’s coverage reaffirms the estate’s role as a benchmark in Tuscany. In his own words:
“Querciabella stands head and shoulders above any other estate in Chianti Classico.”
— ANTONIO GALLONI
Just released: Mongrana 2023
One of the highlights from the report is the newly released Mongrana 2023, which Galloni awards 90/100.
We’re particularly proud of this release, as it marks the first official recognition of the new Mongrana — a wine that reflects years of thoughtful evolution in both the vineyard and cellar.
“The 2023 Mongrana is a delight. Plump, juicy and expressive, the 2023 has so much to offer. Ripe red cherry, red plum, spice, cedar and new leather are nicely amplified.
Best of all, the 2023 is a screaming value.” 90/100 — AG
Now crafted from a blend of nine red grape varieties, including Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, Mongrana 2023 represents a bold yet energetic expression of the Tuscan Coast. The introduction of whole-cluster fermentation adds lift and complexity, reinforcing our focus on freshness and balance, always a challenge in the sun-drenched hills of Maremma.
Scores round-up: current vintages
CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG
Riserva 2021 · 92+/100
“Muscular, explosive… built for the cellar. Black cherry, leather, incense, liquorice and graphite are all signatures of a serious, structured Riserva with a bright future” — AG
Querciabella 2022 · 91/100
“Polished, sophisticated… with terrific depth for the year.” — AG
TOSCANA IGT
Batàr 2022 · 92/100
“A wine of quiet understatement… Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, mint and white pepper open effortlessly.” — AG
Camartina 2021 · 96/100
“… is a potent, tightly wound offering from Querciabella. Blue-toned fruit, graphite, dried cherry, mocha and new leather all take shape gradually. The 2021 is a touch compact today, but I see that as a positive for its long-term prospects.” — AG
MAREMMA
Turpino 2021 · 94/100
“For readers who want to know what the Tuscan Maremma is all about, this is it. Best of all, Turpino offers tremendous quality and personality considering its relatively modest price.” — AG
Looking ahead: Gran Selezione(S) 2021
Querciabella’s upcoming 2021 Gran Selezione releases received some of the highest praise in the entire report, particularly for their purity of Sangiovese expression and their site specificity.
CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG · GRAN SELEZIONE
Radda 2021 · 98/100
“Radda is another magnificent wine in this collection of Gran Seleziones from Querciabella… complex and layered, with sublime balance and stunning depth… What a wine!” — AG
Greve 2021 · 97/100
“Powerful and explosive in the glass… Layered and sumptuous, with terrific freshness, the 2021 Greve is a standout.” — AG
Lamole 2021 · 94+/100
“Dark and savoury, with intense minerality… especially austere in the early going.” — AG
These single-origin Gran Seleziones—crafted entirely from Sangiovese—underscore Querciabella’s commitment to precision and site transparency. Their official release is scheduled for next year.
