IL Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva

Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva is a 100% Sangiovese DOCG red wine from Tuscany, Italy, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2016 vintage earned 95 points from Wine Spectator and 93 points from Vinous, establishing this Riserva among the most respected expressions in the Chianti Classico appellation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Riserva  |  Producer: Il Molino di Grace

Production & Heritage

Il Molino di Grace has been certified organic since 2010, relying exclusively on natural fertilizers, no synthetic inputs, and indigenous yeast fermentations that preserve the vineyard's microbial complexity. Grapes are hand-harvested in early October and fermented at controlled temperatures of 28–30°C with maceration lasting approximately 20 days. The wine then ages for 12 months in a combination of Slavonian oak barrels, French barriques, and tonneaux — a mixed-vessel approach that allows Sangiovese's tannins to mature gracefully without excessive new-oak influence — followed by further refinement in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: An inviting bouquet opens with ripe red cherry and plum, evolving into cherry jam and black pepper. Beneath those primary fruits, subtle violet and an earthy, forest-floor undertone add depth and savory intrigue.

Taste: The entry is suave and fruit-forward, with lush black cherry and plum meeting lavender, menthol, and licorice at mid-palate. The wine is medium-plus in body with supple, well-integrated tannins. Vanilla and toasty oak remain supportive rather than dominant, allowing Sangiovese's natural character — blackcurrant, hazelnut, and a thread of chocolate — to drive the flavor.

Finish: Long, focused, and beautifully structured, the finish reveals tobacco leaf and orange peel alongside bright acidity that lifts the closing moments. Fine-grained tannins persist, leaving a clean, savory impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Molino di Grace Riserva

This Riserva is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F) in a large-bowled glass after 30 minutes of decanting. It drinks beautifully on its own, but a splash of aeration unlocks the violet and spice layers. For cocktail-adjacent wine service, try it alongside a Sangiovese-based Sangria Rossa built with fresh stone fruit and a cinnamon stick; a classic Italian Kalimotxo riff using quality cola and a citrus twist for a casual summer gathering; or a Mulled Wine preparation in cooler months, where its plum and spice character amplifies warm-spice infusions of clove and star anise.

Best For

• Gifting an Italian wine enthusiast who appreciates organic, terroir-driven Sangiovese
• Anchoring a Tuscan-themed dinner party with bistecca alla fiorentina or wild boar ragù
• Building a cellar with age-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva vintages
• Marking a milestone occasion with a critically acclaimed DOCG wine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Molino di Grace Riserva taste like? It leads with ripe black cherry and plum, layered with lavender, licorice, and vanilla from mixed-oak aging, finishing with tobacco, orange peel, and bright acidity. The tannins are supple and well-structured, giving the wine a suave, medium-plus-bodied character.

How does Molino di Grace Riserva compare to Fontodi Chianti Classico? Both wines scored 95 points from major critics on their 2016 vintages, placing them in a similar quality tier within Chianti Classico. Fontodi typically commands a higher price point near $100, while Molino di Grace Riserva offers comparable critical recognition and 100% Sangiovese purity at a more accessible level.

Is Molino di Grace Riserva good for cellaring? Yes — firm tannins, bright acidity, and structured oak aging give this Riserva strong cellar potential; top vintages can develop favorably over 8–12 years from harvest.

Where is Molino di Grace Riserva made? Il Molino di Grace is located in the Chianti Classico DOCG zone of Tuscany, Italy. The estate has been certified organic since 2010 and uses indigenous yeast fermentations to express its specific vineyard terroir.

What foods pair well with Molino di Grace Riserva? Bistecca alla fiorentina brings out the wine's savory, earthy depth. Wild boar ragù over pappardelle matches its structured tannins and plum fruit. Aged Pecorino Toscano echoes the hazelnut and earthy notes. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary complement the herbal and black pepper undertones. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the wine's cocoa and tobacco finish.

What sizes does Molino di Grace Riserva come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Molino di Grace Riserva worth the price? This Riserva positions as a premium Chianti Classico that punches well above its price tier — a 95-point Wine Spectator score on the 2016 vintage places it alongside bottles costing significantly more, making it one of the stronger values in the DOCG category.

Why Molino di Grace Riserva?

A 95-point Wine Spectator rating on the 2016 vintage is not common at this price tier within Chianti Classico, and that score alone signals a wine producing above its weight class. The organic certification since 2010 and use of indigenous yeast fermentations set it apart from many peers still relying on commercial yeast and conventional farming. The mixed-oak aging regime — Slavonian casks for structure, French barriques and tonneaux for aromatic complexity — delivers a Riserva that balances Old World restraint with modern polish. For drinkers seeking an authentic, terroir-driven Sangiovese with real critical backing, this is a bottle that consistently delivers.