Podere La Villa 2018 Chianti Classico Pargolo Scores: 92
The 2019 is out already but I was able only to taste the 2018, and it was so good I would have been remiss if I didn’t tell you about it. Normally, I’m not a big fan of adding Merlot or, even worse, Cabernet Sauvignon to Sangiovese, because natives such as Canaiolo Nero do very well in partnering with Sangiovese. That said the 20% Merlot this wine harbours does not over power the Sangiovese (but it definitely changes its makeup, so if you wat a nervous vibrant Chianti Classico then look elsewhere) but still this stays light on its feet from start to finish. Not at all weighed down by the Merlot. And speaking of Merlot, I want to point out that this estate’s 100% Merlot wine called Giacomo (in honour of Giacomo Tachis, owner Ilaria Tachis’ father, the man who helped create Sassicaia and many other great Italian wines) is an absolute standout, really one of Italy’s best Merlot wines (the 2018 needs a good five years of cellaring to let it digest its oak, but it will prove a stellar wine).
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