Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico 2022

Tenuta Casenuove Chianti Classico 2022, the momentum of Sangiovese

In the hills of Panzano, this Chianti Classico bears the signature of Sangiovese, supported by two Bordeaux grape varieties. I recommend it for its precise anchoring in the terroir and its aging shared between concrete and wood: an expression of Chianti to enjoy at the table, without trying to attribute aromas that the available notes do not describe.

Panzano, its hills and Chianti Classico

Tenuta Casenuove is located in the heart of Chianti, in the rolling landscape of Panzano, in Tuscany. Philippe Austruy acquired the estate in 2015. Of its 120 hectares, 30 are planted with vines; the management of the property follows an organic farming approach. The plots are described as composed of calcareous clays of marine origin, well drained and rich in galestro, a schistous rock characteristic of the region. The old vines and this soil form the framework of this 2022 vintage.

The blend combines 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested at maturity and then hand-sorted in three stages. Vinification takes place in raw concrete tanks, at controlled temperature, with a maceration that can last up to a month; pump-overs and racking accompany the extraction. The wine then matures for twelve months in a combination of concrete tanks and large Slavonian oak casks, then rests for six months in bottle before release. The DOCG Chianti Classico designation places this cuvée within the historic appellation.

The available description confirms a red wine, but does not specify the shade of its colour, its aromas, or the sensations on the palate. I prefer to stick to that rather than invent a nose of fruit or a texture. What can be stated with confidence is the work of the material: careful selection, long maceration, and aging that combines the neutrality of concrete with the contribution of wood. Sangiovese remains the clear majority, while Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon complete the blend. These elements provide useful reference points for choosing the bottle, without replacing a personal tasting.

At the table, in the Tuscan spirit

I readily picture it alongside a platter of cured meats or aged cheeses, the pairings suggested for this wine, then with red meat or game when the meal takes on greater substance. Serve it during a dinner where there is time to let the dish and the wine speak, and keep in mind that precise tasting notes are not documented. If you are looking for an organic Chianti Classico from Panzano, made mainly from Sangiovese and aged in concrete and casks, Tenuta Casenuove 2022 deserves a place at your table.