Coq Fight: Chianti Classico Showdown 2026

The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri is 100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Panzano that faces Lamole. It spent two years in cask and a third year in a larger cask Rich, sumptuous and beautifully layered, the 2020 is all class, all refinement. Silky tannins, expressive red-toned Sangiovese fruit and lifted, soaring aromatics give the 2020 tons of finesse. This sensual Gran Selezione is lights out. (97) ANTONIO GALLONI

The 2022 Chianti Classico is bold, fruity and very easy to like. I would prefer to drink it over the next handful of years while the flavors remain vibrant. Succulent red cherry, cinnamon and a hint of rose petal linger in this tasty, juicy offering from Poggio al Sole. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

This shows a rich, chocolatey nose with aromas of baked cherries, dried raspberries and sweet spices. Mellow and creamy on the palate, with a medium to full body and supple tannins. Dense and mouth-filling. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING

The 2023 Chianti Classico is a tasty, fruity wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Macerated cherry, spice, rose petal, white pepper and orange peel give this midweight Chianti Classico lovely complexity throughout. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Fragrant and savory, with aromas of cherries, pomegranates, rose petals and touches of pepper and spices. The palate is medium-bodied and lively with polished tannins, offering purity and clarity of fruit with a subtle earthy note in the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING 

... Dark cherry, plum, leather, incense, menthol and mocha infuse the 2022 with striking textural depth and resonance. There's real substance here, not to mention tons of character. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Medium ruby red. Fragrant bouquet redolent of red berries and dried herbs. Pure, fresh and concentrated in the mouth with a hint of astringency and firm tannins. From organic vineyards, fermented in cement, then aged in 20 hl botti for a year followed by another year in cement. INTERNATIONAL WINE REVIEW

The 2023 Chianti Classico is an attractive, open-knit offering. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and cedar give this midweight Chianti Classico lovely aromatic presence and appeal. ANOTNIO GALLONI, Vinous

Villa Le Corti is located in the town of San Casciano, at the most northern end of the nine Classico zones, just a ten-minute drive south of Florence. The temperature is marginally cooler in this commune than those to the south, and the key sites of the estate sit at relatively high elevations of 250–310m. Despite this, Duccio picks earlier than most – generally 5–6 days earlier – with freshness very much part of the style. The soil differs as well, with a higher proportion of river stones and sand contributing to the lightness of touch the wines show in general.

Current custodian, Duccio Corsini, is of the 22nd generation there, and is understandably proud and passionate about the legacy he has inherited and is enthusiastic about the future. Taking the reins of the estate in the early 1990s, he has implemented changes such as the propagation of indigenous yeasts to allow the wines to speak more fully of their place of origin, and a philosophy of minimal intervention in all aspects of production, including organic farming practices.

The 2022 Chianti Classico is fabulous—one of the best of the year. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, rose petal and mint all race across the palate. Deep, layered and wonderfully sexy, the 2022 is utterly irresistible. It’s a superb effort from proprietor Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Pouring a deep magenta hue, the 2022 Chianti Classico is inviting and ripe with aromas of black raspberries, cherries, crushed violets, and mossy earth. The palate is polished and pure, with ripe tannins, crunchy, refreshing acidity, and a stony texture. It’s a lovely Chianti Classico that will be fantastic for drinking now or over the next 8-10 years. (95+) AUDREY FICK, JebDunnuck.com.au

Stylish and seductive, Querciabella’s 2022 leads with rooibos, mace and mocha atop dark red cherry. The palate is polished with sophisticated sweet oak spice tucked into the ripe and generous fruit core. Suede-like tannins expand, weaving smoothly throughout, while Sangiovese's brilliant acidity makes this sparkle. Splendid completeness and energy. Long-time winemaker Manfred Ing remains at the helm of production. DECANTER

Pouring a youthful jeweled ruby color, the 2022 Chianti Classico is entirely Sangiovese from Greve, Lamole, and Radda. (The producers have stopped using fruit from Gaiole in the blend, as they are concentrated on vines closer to home, including the higher elevation site in Lamole for freshness.) The nose is very pretty and fruity, with aromas of mixed berries, crushed flowers, and sweet earth. Medium to full-bodied, it’s elegant on the palate, with a fresh feel, fine tannins, and a refined texture. It is elegant all the way through and is going to offer a lot of pleasure over the next 10-12 years. JEB DUNNUCK

Deep ruby with orange tinges. Rich layered nose of cinnamon, marasca cherry and savoury spice notes. The fruit has a brooding intensity. Intense yet sleek with the perfect balance between cherry fruit and finely ground, chewy tannins. Will age well, no doubt. WALTER SPELLER, Jancis Robinson

This mid-weight, vibrant Chianti Classico has so much to offer. 
The 2022 Chianti Classico is a polished, sophisticated wine. Dark red cherry, plum, blood orange, spice, cedar and new leather are front and center. Medium in body and layered, with terrific depth, the 2022 is a delight. ANTONIO GALLONI

The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Aromatic, layered and vibrant, the Riserva is terrific. Time in the glass brings out a host of macerated cherry, kirsch, cedar and spice notes that are quite attractive. The 2021 is complex and deep, with superb balance and tons of class. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

This is really velvety and open with a caressing texture that entices with every sip. Medium-bodied with gorgeous brightness and complexity. So hard not to drink now. So why wait, but will age beautifully. (94) JAMES SUCKLING

The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano shows a move towards a more refined style, even within the context of this wine, which is always a bruiser. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, spice and licorice are nicely delineated. There's less heft than in most years, and that is a good thing. The direction here is quite promising. (93) ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

The 2022 Chianti Classico Berardenga is superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now. JAMES SUCKLING

The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva shows the pedigree of this important vintage in its complex, multi-faceted personality. A wine of nuance and layers, the 2021 has so much to offer. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol, licorice and game are all amplified in this super-classic Riserva from Fèlsina. ANTONIO GALLONI

A well-composed, balanced and refined riserva with aromas of cherries, dried thyme, bark and warm spices. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins. Dense and textured on the palate, with fine structure and poise. Focused and well defined, with a long, flavorful, vivid finish. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING

The ruby Sangiovese red with violet reflections shines in the glass, while the nose reveals fresh red fruit, liquorice, blackcurrant and a hint of vanilla. The palate reveals its true character: round, juicy, with silky tannins and a lively acidity that gives the wine its elegant length. A versatile accompaniment to structured Tuscan cuisine - authentic, timeless. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Fine hints of undergrowth, wild berries, cherries, with a hint of mint, appealing. Finely dancing on the palate, with a narrower structure than usual, greenish, finely spiced tannins, grippy, albeit beautifully juicy in the finish, enjoy with a great bistecca! FALSTAFF

A multilayered wine with an intense nose of violets, licorice, graphite, roses and red cherries. Tight palate with a bony character, a light body and crisp acidity. JAMES SUCKLING

This silky red is a textbook example of modern Chianti Classico and the remarkable value the region still offers. Red and black sour cherry lead on the nose with a hint of fresh herbs and a splash of mocha. It’s classic but cosy, full-bodied and well-structured with velvety tannins and long, elegant finish. Pure class. HELENA NICKLIN, decanter.com 

An intense and intoxicating wine with fresh violets, leaves, strawberries, watermelon and citrus on the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows very well-crafted tannins that are ripe and velvety, supported by zesty acidity and orange zest flavors. It is ready to drink, but will improve. Try from 2026. JAMES SUCKLING

Notes on previous release:

Castellares dessert wine matures for five long years in chestnut wood caratelli, with just 3,500 bottles going on sale each year. Deep honey yellow in colour. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild porcini mushrooms, candied fruit with honey and caramel. Seductive and soft on the palate, the well-developed acidity not only ensures a wonderfully fresh drinking flow, but also gives this fine wine a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

A light, agile style, featuring caramel, roasted walnut, brown butter and candied orange peel. This is defined by vibrant acidity, which offsets the light sweetness and keeps this fresh and long. WINE SPECTATOR

Vinsanto production in Tuscany and in the Chianti Classico region dates back to the Middle Ages. Observing traditional methods and strict production regulations, Vinsanto Tenute Marchese Antinori is produced from selected Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes that are left to dry in a completely natural process requiring time and patience. The resulting wine is intense and pleasing for its generous aromas and soft palate.

A pleasant nose of raspberries, cherries and hints of violets and oak, following through to a medium-bodied palate with firm fruit and oak tannins and dried cherry flavors in the finish. Needs a year or two for the oak to sink into the wine. Try from 2026. JAMES SUCKLING

The 2023 Chianti Classico is terrific. Aromatic and juicy, with lovely mid-palate depth, the 2023 has a lot to offer. Dark macerated cherry, spice, new leather, orange peel and cedar build effortlessly. This medium-bodied, pliant Chianti Classico is a winner. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Spiced and lightly earthy, with aromas of wet stones, cherries, chocolate, red plums and a hint of licorice. Dense and compact with a velvety texture, it has a medium to full body and a concentrated core of fruit. Polished finish. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING

Based in the high-altitude village of Lamole, Jurij works alongside his daughter Sara to craft tiny-production wines from steep sandstone vineyards that sit around 600 metres above sea level. Jurij is the son of the famed Vittorio Fiore of Poggio Scalette fame, and after years working alongside his father, launched this deeply personal project focused on expressing the individuality and elegance of Lamole.The wines are distinctly modern in feel while remaining deeply rooted in place. Jurij’s time studying winemaking in Burgundy clearly informs the style.