L‘Erta di Radda Chianti Classico DOCG Toscana 2018

Over the mountains and through the woods to Radda, Italy, you’ll go!  Tucked away in the steep hillsides surrounded by forest land lies the tiny Tuscan town of Radda at the heart of the Chianti Classico zone.  It is here where winemaker Diego Finoochi grew up and staked a claim on a 12-acre vineyard after studying enology.  His vines are organically farmed and finally received certification in 2015, although he’s been practicing organic since 2006.  Comprised of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia, and Trebbiano varietals, the vineyard is high-altitude at 1,020-1,200 feet above sea level.  In his words, he strives to “make wines that are as faithful as possible” to the terroir of Radda.  Diego does it all regarding the vinting of this wine, from farming to labeling.  Even his estate's name, L'Erta di Radda, which in Italian means “the steep slopes of Radda” is a nod to the unique landscape surrounding his vines.

Diego’s Chianti Classico has everything going for it, a true expression of one of Italy’s trademark wines, with bright acidity, bursting ripe red fruits, and delicate tannins.  In 2018, the grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed, and fermented by native yeast in temperature-controlled steel tanks.  After aging for 12 months in French oak barrels, Diego lightly filtered the Chianti Classico before bottling.  The final blend is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo (to level up the acidity.)  This wine is meant to be enjoyed alongside a meal and will make best friends with various dishes.  The nose lends towards cherry pie, fresh raspberries, and herbal teas, while the palate is smooth with refined tannins balanced by an awakening acidity.  So, what’s for dinner with a bottle of L’Erta Chianti Classico?  We’re thinking grilled sausages, extra cheesy pepperoni pizza, or a charcuterie board from our friends at Panevino.