New Release: Castello di Bossi Riserva

~ The Castello di Bossi Estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga ~

The winding, twisting roads in and around Castelnuovo Berardenga are picturesque and lead to some of my favorite Chianti Classico producers.  Querciavalle and Felsina are notable as well as the subject of today’s article, Castello di Bossi.

The Bossi estate has it’s roots in the year 1099; when the first tower of what is now the Castello was built.  Today the estate is a sprawling 650 hectares, though only 125 are devoted to Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot.  As you might imagine from an estate that sizeable, exposures and soils vary with the former running from West to South West and the latter comprised of clay, sand and broken stones.  For years now I’ve been extolling the virtues of this property and it continues to impress.

~ Large Botte in the Cantina at Castello di Bossi ~

Today we’re looking at the estate’s flagship Chianti.  The 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo is one of the best wines of the area.  Produced from a strict selection of the estate’s best grapes, this 100% Sangiovese is aged for 2 years in French barrique and an additional year in bottle before release.   The vines that provide the fruit for this wine are nearly 30 years old and the complexity is notable.

The 2012 sports a lovely deep ruby color with violet reflections.  The aromas simply fit the profile of everything I look for in a Riserva of this caliber.  Fresh flowers, sweet herbs and tobacco, crushed ripe red fruit.  On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant with racy acidity, loads of ripe berry fruit with an undertone of vanilla and spice.  The dusty powdery texture throughout the finish is appealing and velvety. In a vintage where many 2012’s didn’t impress, this wine stands out and on the heels of the wonderful 2010 and 2011, a worthy successor.  91 points.  About $22 and at that price, a screaming value!  Disclosure:  This bottle was an importer provided sample.

~ The 2012 was the perfect pairing for Rocchete pasta with a Tuscan beef and pork ragu ~

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Salute!