The 2016 Querciavalle Chianti Classico is the “workhorse” of the Losi Family – their business card among the Chiantis. They produce several other wines, of course a Chianti Classico Riserva, and in really good vintages also a Gran Selezione (which is spectacular). At the entry level, there is a Querciavalle Vigna della Campana – a red wine on majority Sangiovese grapes, that passes through French oak to have it ready and drinkable more quickly (the year following the vintage). Chianti Classico and Riserva need to spend much more time maturing, which can drain the cash flow. Therefore, it is good to have a wine that can be sold the year following the harvest.
The Losi family has been in the wine business for more than five generations, and when you come to the village, there seems to be one of their cellars under virtually every house. No herbicides and no pesticides, they produce a wine that truly represents the terroir.
The 2016 Querciavalle Chianti Classico has a ruby color with grenade reflexes. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of red fruit – cherry especially, some spices, as well as a few tertiary notes as leather, smoke and game. On the palate, the wine is dry, with tannins quite present, but well integrated and silky, medium + acidity, a great mouthfeel and a medium-long finish.
Overall, the 2016 Querciavalle Chianti Classico is a great example of a Chianti Classico. Strongly recommended. TBM 91 points.
