Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico 2008

Color is sexy, modern, and dark like a chocolate covered cherry - a great color considering it's coming up on four years old (but that's what Riservas are all about ... the best of the best of a producer). Aromas are similarly 'coated fruit' with bing cherry and (light) worn leather at the core, and a pronounced bitter dark cocoa above that. Really delicious and succulent in the mouth. Round, with great length going into the finish which is bright and lifting. A spectacular example of what a Chianti Classico Riserva is all about. I couldn't imagine a better evening than this wine, a rib eye steak grilled on a hardwood fire (preferably apple), and a side of home grown roasted potatoes fried in duck fat. Life would not get better than that.
-wine tasting note by JK, February 2012

Food Pairings

Seriously anything tomatoey sings with Sangiovese, pizza and pasta to be sure. Sausages, chicken, gazpacho. Bread salad.