Pagliarese Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

Perfectly nestled in Chianti between the two now-famous wineries Felsina and Castell’in Villa, it was Pagliarese who drew all the talk in Chianti throughout the 1960s and 70s. The historic estate was widely considered the best producer in all of Chianti at the time. Then, ill-timed investments and money problems in the late 80s caused the winery to fall off, and eventually the family was forced to sell.

Felsina had always pined after the unique wines crafted right next door, always failing to live up to their neighbor’s opulent expression of Sangiovese. So when Pagliarese came up for sale, they swooped in. It was only then that they finally discovered the big secret.

Even though it was just a stone’s throw away, the two soils couldn’t have been further apart. The rich sandy, volcanic soil deep beneath the vineyards of Pagliarese is the secret weapon in crafting rich, age-worthy Sangiovese. But Felsina didn’t become the toast of Chianti by sitting on their laurels.

For the last two decades, Pagliarese’s fruit was the unsung hero in Felsina’s wine program, their Chianti Classico helping propel the famous winery to even greater heights. But that changed in 2015, when the Poggialis decided to resurrect their neighbors’ signature wine under the Pagliarese name. Now they’re firmly on the radar of all the top critics once again.

The 2019 vintage in Chianti and Tuscany was absolutely stellar, producing wines with incredible depth and character. The Pagliarese Chianti Classico Riserva embodies everything we love about this region, from its rich red fruit flavors to its elegant, well-integrated tannins. It’s drinking so well right now.