Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda 2021

Querciabella Radda 2021, Sangiovese at high altitude

In this Gran Selezione, the Sangiovese from Radda tells its story with bold freshness and notes of cherry, violet and undergrowth. I love the contrast between its concentrated body, its firm tannins and this lively acidity that carries the wine into a long finish.

Radda, its vineyard plots and the work of Querciabella

Founded in the 1970s by Giuseppe Castiglioni, the Querciabella estate is located in Greve in Chianti. With this Gran Selezione Radda, it explores the expression of a unique place as part of the Genius Loci project: a wine made from 100% Sangiovese, using grapes selected from three vineyard plots. Bagnaccio, Oasi and Rialdoli were acquired in 2007. They are located in Radda in Chianti, on the right bank of the Pesa stream, between 400 and 450 meters above sea level.

The soils contribute to the diversity of this landscape: clay dominates at Bagnaccio, Rialdoli has a rockier terrain, while Oasi combines both profiles. The cool climate and the large gaps between daytime and nighttime temperatures favor a slow ripening and a vibrant acidity. The estate works under organic farming. After a 30-day maceration, the vinification includes 30% whole clusters. The wine then rests 16 to 18 months in large foudres, followed by another 30 months in bottle before release.

On the palate, the nose first unfolds tart cherry, black fruit and violet, before opening to earthy and balsamic nuances. The mouth is rich, powerful and lively, with fine concentration and medium body. The acidity brings a refreshing relief to the substance, while the tannins, firm yet well integrated, structure the whole without erasing its momentum. The finish stretches out with elegance. The sheet notes an average of 98/100 among experts; I take it as a reference point, while the wine's profile remains the best guide to imagining its place at the table. It can be enjoyed right now, after half an hour in a decanter, or kept for up to twenty years.

At the table, alongside generous dishes

I would serve it with pappardelle with wild boar, whose richness matches the wine's concentration, or with roast pigeon. A herb-roasted lamb would also echo its balsamic notes and earthy character. For a special occasion without excessive ceremony, open the bottle a little ahead of time and give it room to express itself. If you prefer to wait, its aging potential also lets you choose another moment to rediscover this Sangiovese from Radda.