Val delle Corti, Riserva Chianti Classico 2018

94 points Wine Advocate
"This is an impressive new release from Val delle Corti in Radda in Chianti. With 5,000 bottles released, the 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva shows an immediate level of austerity and complexity that relaxes to display dark fruit, earth, rusty nail and candied orange peel. There is a Pinot-Noiresque quality to this wine that makes it very attractive. I heartily recommend this under-the-radar discovery. Fruit comes from a cool site at 450 meters in elevation with calcareous marl soils with lots of rock. The vines were planted in 1974."

Jancis Robinson
"Radda in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese.
Lustrous mid ruby. A nose bursting with minerals and dark earth. Vibrant cherry and raspberry that sings on the palate and with cracking tannins. A stunning Chianti Classico from north-facing vineyards. 17.5/20 points. (WS)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
The Bianchi family owns and manages Val delle Corti. Simone Mazzei is the winemaker. In 1974, Giorgio Bianchi and his wife Eli moved to Radda from Milan. They rebuilt the long-abandoned farmhouse, replanted the vineyards and built a small cellar. In 1999, Giorgio Bianchi passed away, and his son, Roberto Bianchi, took over the winery. Assisted by his wife, Lis, they continue to develop the winery. Roberto studied and lived in Germany and has a degree in German literature. Val delle Corti’s viticultural approach has been certified organic since 2014. The vineyards are planted on marly limestone soil, rich in stony material and high in mineral content. The grape variety is represented by Sangiovese and Merlot. The vines were planted in 1974. For the Chianti Classico Riserva, fermentation lasts 3 weeks in stainless steel or 2 weeks in topless tonneaux. Only natural yeasts are applied, and regular manual punch-downs are carried out. The wine is aged in old barriques and tonneaux for 24 months in a bottle.