Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico 2021

Tenuta Casenuove, in Panzano at the centre of Chianti Classico DOCG, is part of French investor Philippe Austruy's group of estates across France, Italy and Spain. This is the annata, the estate's regular Chianti Classico, led by Sangiovese with a supporting hand of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards sit on galestro and alberese, the flaky marl and limestone soils that mark the appellation and force the vines to root deep for water, building structure and tension in the fruit. The diurnal swing between warm days and cool Tuscan nights slows ripening and holds acidity. The wine is farmed organically and aged for around twelve months in a mix of concrete tanks and barrels, with the concrete preserving primary fruit and the wood adding gentle structure through slow oxygen ingress while malolactic fermentation softens the acidity. Expect a medium ruby colour and a nose of red cherry, raspberry and plum over dried herbs and a faint earthiness. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with supple tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It is a versatile match for roast pork, mushroom dishes and tomato based pasta.