Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Riserva 2021

The local wineries are known for including a dollop (around 5%) of Merlot with their Sangiovese here in Chianti, and they have done so here. The grapes are sourced from five different sub-regions with plantings dating back to 1999. The maturation is for around two years and divided between thirty hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels and fifty hectolitre French oak barrels, half in each. Red/ochre in hue, this is all red fruits and warm earth with touches of red apples, bergamot, spices and a hint of tomato bush. There is good focus, decent length and sleek tannins here in a wine for enjoying over the next ten to twelve years and matching it with a rich pasta dish would be ideal.