Viniou Reviews
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico DOCG 2022 is a vibrant red wine that captures the essence of Tuscany’s renowned Chianti region. Crafted primarily from the Sangiovese grape, occasionally blended with small proportions of indigenous varieties such as Canaiolo or Colorino, this vintage offers a brilliant ruby hue with youthful highlights. The 2022 vintage benefits from a well-balanced growing season, combining the warm Tuscan sun with timely rainfall, which translated into grapes with optimal ripeness and acidity. Traditional vinification methods emphasize a careful maceration to extract color and tannin, followed by aging, often in a mix of large oak casks and smaller barrels, to maintain freshness while lending a subtle complexity.
Chianti Classico, nestled in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, is famous for its rolling hills and ideal vine-growing conditions. The region's soils are predominantly galestro (a crumbly marl) and alberese (limestone-rich), delivering excellent drainage and a unique mineral character to the wines. The Mediterranean climate—with hot, dry summers and cool nights—bolsters slow grape maturation, ensuring aromatic intensity and fine tannic structure. Historically, Chianti Classico is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions, establish its DOCG status as a guarantee of quality and authenticity.
The lively acidity, gentle tannins, and notes of red cherry, violet, and a hint of dried herbs from Villa Antinori’s Chianti Classico pair wonderfully with Tuscan cuisine. Regional dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak), pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), or a classic tomato-based ribollita soup are ideal companions. The wine’s freshness also complements grilled lamb, aged pecorino cheese, and wood-fired pizzas.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chianti Classico at 16-18°C after a brief decanting if possible. This allows the youthful fruit and subtle spice to fully unfold in the glass. While approachable now, the 2022 vintage holds potential for a few years of careful cellaring, further softening its structure and integrating its aromatic profile.
