Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Buondonno displays in the glass a dense, radiant ruby-red robe with delicate garnet-red reflections at the rim. With the first swirl, fine, clear notes of raspberry, ripe sour cherry and fragrant rose rise from the glass. This wine seduces with a deep, elegant bouquet that evokes a perfumed summer garden and immediately invites the first sip.

On the nose, a multi-layered play of aromas unfolds, typical for Sangiovese from Tuscany and yet bearing its own unmistakable signature. Fresh raspberries merge with juicy cherry, reminiscent of Black Forest cherry cake without cream. The rose aromas seem like delicate petals in the glass. Subtle notes of dried herbs, a touch of tobacco leaf and a hint of pale spices such as white pepper join in. Everything remains clear, transparent and precise, without any heaviness.

On the palate, this dry red wine shows a silky, clearly defined structure. The texture glides softly over the tongue, with fine-grained tannins and a vivid, fresh acidity that provides drive and tension. Ripe sour cherry takes center stage, flanked by raspberry fruit and a floral note reminiscent of dried rose petals. In the long finish, nuances of almond, a touch of liquorice and a hint of cedarwood emerge, lending the wine depth and character.

The wine always appears harmonious and well balanced. Nothing dominates, everything interlocks. The freshness remains present right through to the finale, the tannins are silky yet supportive. This creates an elegant balance of fruit, structure and spice that makes this red wine an ideal companion for discerning connoisseurs.

The aromatic profile of this Chianti from Tuscany can be divided into the following layers:

1. Fruity notes: Juicy raspberry, ripe sour cherry, a touch of red currant, providing pure red fruit and a juicy mouthfeel.
2. Floral nuances: Delicate roses, a hint of violet, giving the bouquet a romantic, refined note and standing for elegance in the glass.
3. Spicy accents: Light white pepper, a hint of liquorice, subtle tobacco notes, lending the wine depth, grip and a complex structure.

With increasing aeration in the decanter, the red wine opens up further and reveals more layers. The raspberry aromas gain in volume, the sour cherry darkens and recalls cherries preserved in liqueur. The rose notes intertwine with a delicate scent of dried blossoms and a touch of undergrowth, alluding to the maturation and the wine’s origin in the Tuscan hills.

In the mouth, the impression remains silky, almost creamy, yet with clear contours. The acidity is precise and brings freshness without sharpness. The tannins are ripe, dense and fine, supporting the wine and at the same time making it an ideal partner for hearty dishes. The finish is long and clean, marked by cherry fruit, delicate rose and slightly spicy tones that remain present long after the last sip.

Thanks to its structure, its clearly defined aromas and its dry style, the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno is suitable both for immediate enjoyment and for several years of cellaring. With some bottle age, the floral notes gain depth, the tannins become even rounder and the fruit appears even more concentrated. In this way, the full potential of this Sangiovese from Tuscany unfolds.

Vinification of the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Buondonno

The grapes for the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno come from hillside sites in the classic Chianti area in Tuscany. Here, the Sangiovese vines grow on meagre, stony soils with a high content of limestone and galestro. These soils naturally limit yields and produce concentrated, ripe grapes with intense fruit and fine spice.

The vineyards are cultivated in a nature-oriented way, with targeted canopy management and careful yield control. This ensures that the grapes receive plenty of light and air, which promotes ripening and clearly shapes the aromas of raspberry, rose and sour cherry. Harvesting is done selectively by hand, usually in the cool morning hours, so that the grapes reach the cellar in a fresh state.

After arrival, the grapes are sorted again. Only the best, fully ripe berries go into the fermentation vessels. Fermentation on the skins takes place under temperature control, usually in stainless-steel tanks or traditional vats. Repeated punching down of the cap ensures gentle extraction of color, tannins and aromas. This leads to the dense ruby-red hue and the silky tannin structure that characterizes the wine.

The alcoholic fermentation proceeds slowly and in a controlled manner in order to preserve the delicate fruit aromas of raspberry and sour cherry. It is followed by malolactic conversion, which makes the acidity appear smoother and rounds off the texture on the palate. The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno then ages for an extended period in wooden casks, often in large barrels or used barriques, so that wood and fruit remain in balance.

During maturation, the wine is handled only gently. The long period in the cellar allows for natural clarification and stabilization. The result is a clear, elegant red wine with fine structure, silky-soft tannins and complex aromatics. Before release, the wine rests for several more months in the bottle. Thus, the Chianti is offered ready to drink, with excellent potential for further aging.

Food recommendations for the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Buondonno

With its silky structure, dry style and pure fruit of raspberry, rose and sour cherry, this Chianti is an ideal partner for both classic and modern cuisine. The fresh acidity and ripe tannins pair particularly well with hearty, aromatic dishes from Italy and beyond.

Suitable dishes for the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno include, among others:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina from the grill with rosemary potatoes and grilled vegetables
• Homemade tagliatelle with a ragù of beef and pork, slowly braised with tomatoes and herbs
• Braised leg of lamb with garlic, thyme and root vegetables from the oven
• Wood-fired pizza with salsiccia, red onions, cherry tomatoes and fresh oregano
• Lasagne with ground beef, tomato sauce, béchamel and mature hard cheese from the region
• Venison or deer ragout with polenta and a reduction of red wine and herbs
• A selection of semi-firm cheeses with mature pecorino, mild hard cheese and a little fig mustard

For a relaxed evening, a simple plate of Italian salami, air-dried ham, some pecorino and fresh bread is all you need. Add a glass of Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG - Buondonno, served slightly below room temperature, and the wine reveals all its elegance. It also shows its freshness and structure beautifully when paired with dishes featuring tomato, herbs and olive oil.

• More products from Buondonno