Casaloste Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

Casaloste Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV organic Sangiovese-based red wine from Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany. Scored 93 points by both James Suckling and Vinous, this limited-production Riserva comes from just 7,000 bottles made annually — a testament to the estate's small-scale, quality-driven approach.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy  |  Riserva (minimum 18 months oak aging)  |  Estate: Casaloste

Production & Heritage

Casaloste is a family estate run by Giovanni Battista d'Orsi and his wife Emilia in the prized hills of Panzano in Chianti, at roughly 360 meters altitude on clay soils interlaced with Galestro outcroppings. The estate has been certified organic since 1994, making it one of the earlier adopters of organic viticulture in the Chianti Classico zone. The 2018 Riserva is composed of 95% Sangiovese with a small complement of Merlot and other grapes, aged for at least 18 months in French Allier oak barriques before release — a regimen that adds structural complexity without overwhelming the Sangiovese fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with expressive dark fruit — ripe blackberry and black cherry — followed by layers of sage, mint, and tobacco. Deeper in the glass, hints of toasted espresso bean, praline, and balsamic nuances emerge from the extended oak aging.

Taste: On the palate, this Riserva enters with a creamy, velvety texture that belies its medium-bodied frame. Bright acidity drives the mid-palate, carrying flavors of black cherry, raw cocoa, and new leather toward a peak of concentrated dark fruit and spice. Sleek, well-integrated tannins provide structure without heaviness, reflecting Panzano's characteristic richness tempered by altitude-driven freshness.

Finish: The finish is enticingly long, with echoes of black cherry and dark chocolate lingering alongside a subtle savory quality. A faint perfumed tea-leaf note emerges at the very end, adding an aromatic lift that invites another sip.

How to Drink Casaloste Riserva 2018

This wine rewards patient sipping at cellar temperature (60–65°F), ideally decanted for 30 to 45 minutes to let the aromatics fully unfold. It also stands up beautifully in food-forward contexts: try it with a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina, where the bright acidity cuts through the richness of grilled steak; alongside wild boar ragù over pappardelle, where the savory, herbal notes find a natural mirror; or with aged Pecorino Toscano, where the wine's tannin structure and dark fruit complement the cheese's salty intensity.

Best For

• Gifting a Tuscan wine enthusiast who appreciates small-production, organic estates
• Pairing with a special Italian dinner featuring grilled meats or slow-braised game
• Cellaring for another 3–5 years to see the oak integration deepen further
• Adding a critically acclaimed Chianti Classico Riserva to a curated Italian wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casaloste Riserva 2018 taste like? It delivers rich black cherry and blackberry fruit layered with cocoa, sage, espresso, and new leather, held together by bright acidity and sleek, velvety tannins. The overall impression is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with a long, chocolatey finish.

How does Casaloste Riserva compare to Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico? Both estates farm organically in the prestigious Panzano subzone, but Casaloste operates on a much smaller scale — just 7,000 bottles of Riserva per year versus Rampolla's larger production. Casaloste's extended barrique aging and high proportion of Sangiovese (95%) tend to emphasize savory, herbal complexity, while Rampolla's wines often lean toward a more polished, internationally styled profile.

Is Casaloste Riserva 2018 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its balance of fruit concentration, acidity, and integrated tannins makes it an excellent wine for contemplative sipping on its own. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes opens up the layered aromatics considerably.

Where is Casaloste Riserva made? Casaloste is located in Panzano in Chianti, one of the most acclaimed villages within the Chianti Classico DOCG zone of central Tuscany, Italy. The vineyards sit at approximately 360 meters altitude on clay soils with Galestro stone outcroppings, conditions particularly suited to Sangiovese.

What foods pair well with Casaloste Riserva 2018? Grilled T-bone steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) is a classic match, as the wine's acidity balances the fat. Wild boar or lamb ragù echoes the wine's earthy, herbal depth. Aged Pecorino Toscano pairs well thanks to the interplay of salt and tannin. Mushroom risotto highlights the wine's savory side, and roasted eggplant parmigiana brings out the dark fruit and cocoa notes.

What sizes does Casaloste Riserva come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Casaloste Riserva 2018 worth the price? Casaloste Riserva positions as a mid-premium Chianti Classico Riserva, and with 93-point scores from both James Suckling and Vinous alongside a production of only 7,000 bottles, it represents strong value relative to more famous Panzano estates commanding significantly higher prices for comparable quality.

Why Casaloste Riserva 2018?

The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the strongest recent years across Tuscany, and Casaloste's version captures the warmth of the season without sacrificing the freshness that Panzano's altitude provides. With organic certification dating back three decades and a minuscule production run, this is a wine that reflects genuine terroir rather than commercial formula. Dual 93-point scores from James Suckling and Vinous confirm its quality within a competitive field of Panzano Riservas. For drinkers seeking authentic, small-estate Chianti Classico with real critical backing, this bottle makes a compelling case.