Chianti Christmas Tasting

The Christmas tasting is always a splendid time for all B.Winers! We gather to share the final hours of the year together, savoring exquisite wines and enjoying the festive spirit. This year, we chose the setting of Maravea, a decision that proved to be perfect. The theme of our tasting centered around the Chianti region, and the two selected wines truly embodied the essence of the zone, both in terms of flavors and the rich history of the wineries.

Our first experience was with the Chianti Classico Riserva “La Canonica” 2019 by Tenuta La Canonica, made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese grapes. This medium-bodied wine, dominated by delightful black cherry notes, set the ideal tone for the tasting. The robust Chianti character seamlessly blended with fine tannins, offering a refreshing and perfectly balanced profile. Given its strong structure, we anticipate that it will reach its peak in a few years.

Following this, we indulged in the Brancaia Riserva 2020 by Casa Brancaia, a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, in contrast to La Canonica’s use of solely Sangiovese. The Sangiovese matured in tonneaux, while the Merlot aged in barriques, then the wine rested in the bottle for an additional year. The distinct barrel types played a pivotal role, smoothing the bold and, at times, sharp notes of the grapes. This imparted a velvety tannin, greatly appreciated by all. The harmonious combination of cherry, spices, chocolate, and leather notes made for a truly delightful experience.

To conclude the tasting, our guests savored a glass of vin brulé, creating a cozy and familiar atmosphere, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next tasting in January. A heartfelt thank you to the two remarkable wineries, Casa Brancaia and La Canonica, to Maravea, and, of course, to all the B.Winers who joined us. Until the next tasting!

Antonio Guagnano