Tenuta Di Carleone Chianti Classico 2021 750ml

Tenuta di Carleone, founded by the Egger family in 2012, is the project of Senator Karl Egger and Sean O'Callaghan, known as ll Guercio (one-eyed rascal) since he is blind in one eye. The estate, located in Radda in Chianti, consists of 100 total hectares of wooded hills, small rivers and fertile plains. The vineyards are planted to mostly Sangiovese on a number of different plots and soil types scattered across 20 hectares, with a further 10 hectares of olive trees, many of which are over 60 years old. In 2016, Sean O’Callaghan joined Karl Egger to help build a small artisinal winery making classical Sangiovese with Sean's unique imprint in the vineyards and cellar: Organic and biodynamic principles with nothing added to the wines. The results have been some of the most compelling Sangiovese wines made in Chianti Classico today.

The Tenuta di Carleone Chianti Classico is made from 100% Sangiovese fermented in a combination of stainless steel, cement and open bins, and macerated for 40 to 60 days and aged 18 months in stainless steel and cement. This is an electric Sangiovese showcasing the essence of Radda in Chianti: an aromatic, vibrant wine with tension, purity and life. A special wine from a special place.

Toasted spices, smoky cedar, walnuts and ripe red and dark berries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and chewy with firm tannins and juicy acidity. Lengthy and velvety.

Pairs with Roast White Meats, Braised Things, Meaty Fish, Pizza Night, Red Sauce.

94 Points - Decanter

Based in Radda, Tenuta di Carleone farms several parcels throughout this sector and beyond. The focus is always on high altitude sites, from which Sean O’Callaghan coaxes extraordinary purity of Sangiovese while confidently pushing the boundaries of winemaking. The 2021 is another beautiful success: it marries floral scents of rose and lilac with spicy herbs and summer berries. On the palate, plump cherries drip with succulent juiciness. Then, assertive chalky tannins take hold, drawing the wine out with savoury length. Very satisfying.

93 Points - Wine Advocate

With fruit blended from various sites, this is a classical expression of Sangiovese that offers a good amount of varietal character along the way. That's all you can ask for from a wine like the Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Chianti Classico. What's more, you get the pleasure of drinking a rather funky (I mean that in the "cool" sense) interpretation from one of Italy's storied winemaking regions. The wine aged in stainless steel, cement and neutral oak, and the quality of the fruit is extremely bright with lots of red berry fruit and plump cherry. There are delicate notes of crushed rock and rosemary oil, like when you brush your hand over the plant. I love that tart acidity on the finish.