Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019

Winemaking

Poggio Bonelli is a small family estate in the heart of Chianti Classico, committed to expressing the authentic character of Sangiovese through traditional winemaking methods. The producer respects the varietal's natural structure and regionality, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak clearly in the glass rather than imposing heavy extraction or new oak.

Tasting Notes

This Riserva opens with inviting aromas of bright red cherry and ripe plum, layered with subtle oak spice and earthy minerality that speaks to its Tuscan home. On the palate, the wine shows excellent balance—firm but refined tannins frame flavors of dark berries, leather, and a whisper of black pepper, while the mid-palate remains elegant and composed. The finish lingers with good acidity and a graceful grip, leaving you with impressions of cherry stone and dried herbs that encourage another sip.

Producer

Poggio Bonelli operates as a modest, quality-focused producer within the Chianti Classico zone, where the black rooster (Gallo Nero) seal signals strict adherence to regional standards. The estate practices traditional viticulture and winemaking, aging this Riserva in neutral oak to preserve the pure expression of Sangiovese without overpowering the fruit.

Terroir

Chianti Classico DOCG occupies the heart of Tuscany's rolling hills, a region defined by its patchwork of clay, limestone, and sandy soils that give Sangiovese its characteristic bright acidity and mineral spine. The continental climate—warm days tempered by cool nights and elevation—encourages slow ripening and complex flavor development, the foundation of wines meant to age gracefully for a decade or more.

Food Pairings

Serve this alongside a bistecca alla fiorentina or a simpler grilled steak with rosemary and lemon—the wine's structured tannins and acidity cut through rich beef beautifully. It's equally at home with braised short ribs in tomato and herbs, or even a well-made mushroom risotto where the earthy notes in the wine find a natural companion.