Duel · Wines · 3 addresses
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilliano, Chianti Classico DOCG – Fontodi or Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi?
Three wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilliano
Lilliano · €15 to €30
reliability high
18,03 € 20,07 €
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fontodi
Fontodi · €30 to €60
reliability high
30,80 € 35,70 €
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi
Frescobaldi · €60 to €120
reliability high
70,28 € 85,76 €
The verdict
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi and Chianti Classico DOCG – Fontodi neck and neck
8,1 versus 8,0: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilliano if…
- you prioritise polyvalence à table (8,1 vs 7,8) : Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati) and serving at 16-18 °C, with a profile of red fruits and spices described.
- your budget matters: from €18 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: producteur & vinification (7,6). Lilliano named in Chianti Classico, fermentation in steel and maceration on skins, aging of at least 12 months; barrel type not specified.
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG – Fontodi if…
- you care about agriculture biologique: the only listing in the head-to-head to mention it
Choose Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG – Frescobaldi if…
- Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG from Frescobaldi, Sangiovese aged at least 24 months, awarded by Gambero Rosso, Veronelli, Bibenda and several international guides
Its weak point in this head-to-head: polyvalence à table (7,6). Specific pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; nothing about aging potential.
Reliability high : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli…Chianti Classico DOCG from the Chianti Classico zone, Sangiovese and notes of red fruits, spices and flowers: terroir and grape variety named, consistent profile.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto…Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti Classico zone in Tuscany, Sangiovese: appellation and grape variety named precisely, ruby color and red fruit consistent.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Chianti Rufina DOCG appellation and Rufina sub-zone named, Sangiovese as the sole grape variety, notes of red fruit, spice and balsamic consistent with the appellation.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli…Awards named with their level: 2 stelle Veronelli, 3 bicchieri and 4 grappoli Bibenda, a cluster of recognized distinctions.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto…Three bicchieri, three Veronelli stars, four Bibenda grappoli, plus James Suckling, Robert Parker and Wine Spectator at 90: numerous, named distinctions.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Three bicchieri, three Veronelli stars, four Bibenda grappoli, James Suckling 90 and 92, Robert Parker 90, Wine Spectator 91: several top-level distinctions.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli…€18.03 for a distinguished Chianti Classico DOCG, with a crossed-out price of €20.07: moderate price and real discount for this rank.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto…€30.80 instead of €35.70 for an award-winning Chianti Classico DOCG: price consistent with the appellation, without being clearly below its rank.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Large 3 L format at €70.28 instead of €85.76, i.e. €17.57 per 75 cl: a price consistent with an award-winning DOCG riserva, without being markedly below its standing.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli…Precise pairings (carni rosse, selvaggina, formaggi stagionati) and serving at 16-18 °C, with a profile of red fruits and spices described.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto…Precise pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), red fruit, spice and floral notes profile, and service at 16-18°C: easy to serve.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Specific pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and serving temperature of 16-18°C indicated; nothing about aging potential.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli…Lilliano named in Chianti Classico, fermentation in steel and maceration on skins, aging of at least 12 months; barrel type not specified.
Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto…Fontodi named and located between Greve and Panzano, organic mentioned, fermentation in stainless steel, maceration on the skins and aging of at least 12 months: practices detailed.
Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –…Named Frescobaldi, Nipozzano estate located in Rufina, steel fermentation, extended maceration and aging for at least 24 months specified.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Chianti Classico DOCG – Lilli… | Chianti Classico DOCG – Fonto… | Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG –… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 18,03 € | 30,80 € | 70,28 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 18,03 € | 30,80 € | 17,57 € |
| Estate | Lilliano | Fontodi | Frescobaldi |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | high | high |
| Color | Red | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Classico | Chianti Classico | Chianti Rufina & Pomino |
| Price | 15 à 30 € | 30 à 60 € | 60 à 120 € |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2024 | 2021 | 2023 |
| Estate | Lilliano | Fontodi | Frescobaldi |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines | Wines |
| Organic farming | not specified | Yes | not specified |
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