New Chianti Classico releases in 2024: Top picks for the table and cellar

Selecting favourites among Chianti Classico ’s new releases is like splitting hairs: so many deserve a place at the dinner table and/or in the cellar. Given different ageing regulations within Chianti Classico’s three-tiered classification, a wide range of vintages is released every year. A first peek at the ‘saved-by-August-rain’ 2022 is restricted to the ' annata ' level, while the preliminary 2021 Riserva and Gran Selezione , together with longer-aged annata, provide a comprehensive picture of what has shaped up to be an excellent vintage. Add to this some stunning late releases from 2020 and 2019, and the choices multiply further. My recommendations below attempt to represent the exceptional value and incredible diversity the denomination offers. See the score table with Michaela's tasting notes and scores for 180 new Chianti Classico releases [subscriber-content] Michaela's best value picks from this year's Chianti Classico releases Click on a wine to be directed to Michaela's complete tasting note. L’Erta di Radda, Chianti Classico 2021 This highly affordable boutique offering epitomises Sangiovese’s transparency and Chianti Classico’s sheer drinkability. 93 Montecalvi, Chianti Classico 2021 Not an outright value pick, but a value-for money recommendation, this overachieving annata is distinct and compelling in character. 93 Fattoria Pomona, Chianti Classico 2021 From a small, under-the-radar producer, this serious annata could even take ageing for five or more years. 92 Barone Ricasoli, Brolio, Chianti Classico 2022 Among the region’s most historic estates, Ricasoli combines personality with excellent quality, particularly for the sizeable production of Brolio annata. 91 Bibbiano, Chianti Classico 2022 Ageing in concrete rather than oak highlights Sangiovese’s zesty, fruity, buoyant side. 91 Principe Corsini, Villa Le Corti, Chianti Classico 2022 Having graced my top value list several times, this is one of the region’s most consistent wines for the price. 91 Antinori, Pèppoli, Chianti Classico 2022 One of the denomination’s highest volume bottlings offers a charming and cheerful expression of the territory. 90 San Felice, Chianti Classico 2022 A stalwart for value, and readily available, San Felice’s annata is the quintessential well priced, mid-week Chianti Classico. 89 Read: Chianti Classico Riserva: New releases in 2024 Chianti Classico annata: New releases in 2024 Michaela's top Chianti Classico recommendations Castello di Ama, Vigneto Bellavista, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020 One of Chianti Classico’s first and most iconic single-vineyard bottlings; the 2020 is among the very top wines of its vintage. 98 Monteraponi, Il Bragantino, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 Of all this year’s inaugural releases, Il Bragantino is hands down the most exciting and further bolsters the Gran Selezione classification. 98 Querciabella, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 The estate’s third vintage of Gran Selezione is a charm and stands with the top wines of 2019. 97 Istine, LeVigne, Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 Angela Fronti’s best Riserva yet is in the same lofty league as her single-vineyard Gran Selezione releases. 96 San Giusto a Rentennano, Le Baròncole, Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 Emblematic of the exceptional quality at the Riserva level and why the category is still so very relevant. 96 I Fabbri, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 A lovely illustration of Lamole and a notable reminder that Chianti Classico has room for elegance at its apex. 95 Jurij Fiore & Figlia, Sonocosì, Chianti Classico 2022 A thrilling ‘naked’ (aka unoaked) Sangiovese beautifully demonstrating one of Chianti Classico’s coolest – literally and figuratively – pockets. 93 La Vigna di San Martino ad Argiano, Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 'Appealingly peculiar' is how I summed up my first taste of this nascent estate. Definitely one to watch. 92 [breakout] Chianti Classico recent vintage guide 2022 Extreme heat and drought conditions were somewhat alleviated by mid-August storms. An early but long harvest yielded a variable mix of characterful near-term drinking annata with unexpected freshness.

4 /5

2021 Ample winter rain and spring showers helped offset the hot, dry conditions in summer, while localised spring frost damage contributed to lower yields. The resulting annata are relatively rich and structured.

4.5 /5

2020 Heavy rainfall late spring ended a long period without precipitation. Summer was dry and very warm without significant temperature extremes. Mid-September showers were scattered through the zone. Attractive annata with bright acidity and balanced alcohol are prime for near-term drinking.

4 /5

[/breakout] [/subscriber-content] Featured in this article: See the wines featured in this article, arranged by score. To see all wines tasted, including all the top scorers, view the score table . [wine-collection] Related articles Chianti Classico annata: New releases in 2024 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2021: Vintage snapshot & 15 top picks Decanter meets: Marco Balsimelli, production director for Ornellaia and Masseto