2016 Nozzole 'La Forra' Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany

Winemaker Notes: La Forra Riserva is produced as a single-vineyard Chianti only in exceptional vintages. Only the finest Sangiovese grapes are selected for this wine, from Nozzole’s 200 acres of vineyards in the Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena. La Forra is among the estate’s finest parcels, with 35-year-old vines on a south-facing slope at 300 meters in elevation. Grapes were manually harvested, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation was on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and maceration on the lees took 15 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged 16 months in French oak barrels, with a minimum of 6 months in bottle.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A firm and lightly chewy wine with blueberry, currant and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Flavorful finish. Needs time to soften. Pure sangiovese. New wave. Better after 2020."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Nozzole shows a lot of ripe and concentrated fruit followed by sweet oak spice and toast. This wine feels like it has been made with an eye toward international markets, thanks to those soft lines, oak renderings and its richly concentrated fruit. There are plump notes of ripe cherry, blackberry, tobacco and baking spice. Pair this wine with your favorite steak dinner. This wine is easy to find and offers great value too."


Decanter - "From hillside vineyards in the Chianti Classico zone, this Sangiovese shows generous layers of cherry, spice and tangy herbal notes in a medium-bodied package. The tannins are soft and supple and the overall impression is fresh and elegant with a well-managed, food-friendly finish."


Wine Spectator - "High-toned aromas of violet and black cherry are accented by vanilla in this rich red. Assertive tannins gird the finish as the acidity keeps the bright fruit flavors focused and long. Steely yet ripe, this finds good equilibrium in the end. Best from 2022 through 2033."