{"title":"Querceto","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"querceto-chianti","title":"Querceto Chianti","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuerceto Chianti\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Sangiovese-based red wine from Castello di Querceto in Tuscany, Italy, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced at one of the highest-elevation estates in the Chianti zone—between 350 and 520 meters above sea level—this wine consistently earns critical recognition, with James Suckling awarding 92 points and Wine Spectator scoring 91 points across recent vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Tuscany, Italy  |  Appellation: Chianti  |  Producer: Castello di Querceto (François family)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCastello di Querceto is a historic estate in Tuscany owned by the François family. The property sits at remarkable altitude for the Chianti zone, a factor that contributes measurable freshness and aromatic lift to the wines. The Chianti bottling is built on a Sangiovese-dominant blend, fermented for approximately 10 days at a controlled 28°C before aging a minimum of 10 months. Maturation takes place in the castle's underground cellars using traditional oak vessels ranging from 10 to 40 hectoliters, lending subtle structure without masking the fruit. The estate has earned Gold at the Berlin Wine Trophy for its 2022 and 2017 vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sour cherry and red berry fruit lead, followed by dried fennel, rose hips, and a subtle hint of grapefruit peel. An undercurrent of damp earth and pine resin adds complexity beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and fruit-forward, with ripe black cherry and dark plum flavors carrying real density on the mid-palate. The wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity, herbal undertones, and a savory, woodsy character that balances the red-toned stone fruit beautifully. The texture is smooth and polished despite the wine's energetic backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Persistent and spicy, with lingering tension and a dry herbal quality. A final note of cherry skin and warm earth fades gradually, leaving clean acidity on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Querceto Chianti\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe slightly below room temperature—around 16–18°C—to let the aromatics open without losing freshness. This is a highly versatile food wine that also drinks well on its own. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eNegroni Sbagliato\u003c\/strong\u003e substitutes sparkling wine for gin, but a splash of Chianti creates a rich, Tuscan-leaning riff worth trying. A simple \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Rossa\u003c\/strong\u003e built with this wine, sliced stone fruit, and a touch of orange liqueur plays directly to its cherry and plum notes. For a winter serve, a \u003cstrong\u003eVin Brulé\u003c\/strong\u003e (Italian mulled wine) with cinnamon, clove, and citrus peel amplifies the wine's natural spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners featuring pasta with red sauce or grilled sausages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality Tuscan Sangiovese without a steep price tag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a casual wine-and-cheese evening with aged pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a mixed case of everyday European reds for the cellar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Querceto Chianti taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe black cherry and dark plum fruit with herbal and earthy undertones, framed by bright acidity and a smooth, medium-bodied texture. A spicy, persistent finish adds depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Querceto Chianti compare to Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Antinori's Riserva carries extended oak aging and a more structured, tannic profile suited to longer cellaring, while Querceto Chianti is fresher, lighter in body, and designed for earlier drinking. Both are Sangiovese-dominant Tuscan reds, but Querceto sits at a more accessible price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Querceto Chianti good for everyday sipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balance of fruit, acidity, and approachable tannin makes it an excellent daily-drinking red that works equally well at the table or poured casually.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Querceto Chianti made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Castello di Querceto, a high-altitude estate in the Chianti zone of Tuscany, Italy, situated between 350 and 520 meters above sea level. The François family owns and operates the property.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Querceto Chianti?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's savory herbal notes. Classic margherita pizza mirrors its bright acidity and fruit. Aged pecorino Toscano echoes the Tuscan terroir. Penne all'arrabbiata matches the wine's spice and cherry character. Roasted mushroom risotto pairs well with its earthy, woodsy undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Querceto Chianti come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Querceto Chianti worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Querceto Chianti positions as a value-driven Tuscan Sangiovese, punching above its weight with 91–92 point critical scores from Wine Spectator and James Suckling. Wine Enthusiast has called it \"bargain Chianti at its best,\" placing it firmly in the high-value tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Querceto Chianti?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining advantage here is altitude. Castello di Querceto's vineyards reach up to 520 meters, among the highest plantings in the Chianti zone, producing grapes with natural acidity and aromatic clarity that lower-elevation sites rarely match. This is not an anonymous supermarket Chianti—it carries Gold medals from the Berlin Wine Trophy, a 92-point score from James Suckling, and 91 points from Wine Spectator. The traditional aging in the castle's underground cellars using large-format oak preserves the purity of the Sangiovese fruit rather than burying it under new wood. For anyone seeking authentic Tuscan character without the premium of a Riserva or Gran Selezione, this bottling represents one of the strongest values in the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Querceto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836857249961,"sku":"22306","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/querceto_chianti__23053.jpg?v=1730473151"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/querceto.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}