2016 Cavaliere D'oro Chianti Classico Docg Riserva
Notes from the Winemaker:
Established in 1480 Castello di Gabbiano is situated in the heart of the famed wine region of Chianti Classico. During the Middle Ages, the Castello and vineyards were protected by the Gold Knight, Cavaliere d'Oro. Today we celebrate this heritage and honor the Cavaliere d'Oro with a bold collection of wines. Cavaliere d'Oro invites you on a journey into the world of Italian wine.
Our Chianti Classico Riserva is crafted from exceptional parcels from estate vineyards - a deep, ruby red color, this wine offers lovely red fruity notes coming led with hints of strawberries, citrus and tobacco. Same flavors extend to the fruit-filled palate with additional earthy and spicy notes, firm tannins balanced by fresh acidity and good complexity. Serve with roasted red meats, game with rich sauces, aged cheeses and more.
Only the finest grapes from our estate vineyards are selected for our Riserva. Fruit parcels from different sites underwent separate ferments and aging, providing winemaker Federico Cerelli with an enticing range of flavors and textures to work with. Fermentations took place on the skins in small stainless steel tanks which were monitored individually. Punch downs and delestages were enlisted according to each must. To help round out the wine while retaining optimal acidity and freshness, all of the juice underwent a secondary natural malolactic fermentation - half in stainless steel and the balance in neutral French oak.10 months in French oak casks (15HL to 30HL) and small barrels (225L)- with only 10% new oak. The wine underwent an additional 12 months of bottle maturation prior to release.
Grapes: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot
ABV: 14%
94 Points - Wines Critic.com:
(Google Translated from Review Written in Italian) "Dark in the defined and precise profile that recalls wild strawberries, sour cherries in alcohol and freshly pressed grape must. Medium-full body, velvety tannins in the shape and a sharp finish with a noble profile. Better from 2021." -RV
93 Points - James Suckling:
"Beautiful depth to this Chianti Classico with cherry, wet earth and mushroom aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, tight and lightly chewy with firmness and focus." (7/19)
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, this offers aromas of black-skinned berry, leather and cedar. The bright, balanced palate features black cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside silky tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy through 2025." - Kerin O’Keefe (12/20)
90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is laced with dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice and mint. A dollop of Merlot adds mid-palate juiciness and pliancy, along with soft contours that make the wine a real pleasure to taste and drink, even in the early going. This forward, succulent Riserva certainly has plenty to offer." - Antonio Galloni (Aug 2019)