Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva

Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva is a 750ml, 14% ABV Tuscan red wine made from 100% Sangiovese in the heart of Chianti Classico. Awarded 93 points by James Suckling, this Riserva from the historic Tenuta di Nozzole estate exemplifies the structured, age-worthy style that distinguishes the appellation's top tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy  |  Riserva  |  Estate: Tenuta di Nozzole

Production & Heritage

Tenuta di Nozzole sits north of the village of Greve in the geographic center of the Chianti Classico zone. The estate has been under the stewardship of the Folonari family, whose winemaking lineage stretches back to the 1700s. For this Riserva, Sangiovese grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented on their skins before undergoing full malolactic fermentation in stainless steel—a step that preserves varietal purity. The wine then matures for 16 months in large seasoned oak vats, a nod to traditional Tuscan winemaking, followed by a minimum of three months of bottle aging before release. This combination of stainless steel and large-format oak results in a wine where fruit clarity and structure coexist without heavy-handed wood influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with morello cherry and ripe strawberry before giving way to violets, clove, and a distinctive thread of tomato leaf. A subtle graphite edge and wild herb undertone add savory complexity as the wine breathes.

Taste: On the palate, bright cherry and plum fruit arrive first, supported by vibrant acidity that carries through the mid-palate. As the wine develops, earthy loam and leather emerge alongside warm spice, framed by firm yet polished tannins. The overall impression is one of structure without heaviness—a hallmark of well-made Chianti Classico Riserva.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering notes of dried cherry, tobacco, and a faint mineral quality. Tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a savory, slightly herbal aftertaste that invites another sip.

How to Drink Nozzole Riserva

This wine is best served at 60–65°F and benefits from 30 minutes of breathing time in the glass or a decanter. It drinks well on its own but truly comes alive at the table. A Negroni Sbagliato works as an aperitivo companion—its bitter-sweet sparkling profile contrasts the Riserva's structure nicely across a multi-course meal. Try it alongside a Sangiovese-based Sangria at casual gatherings, where the wine's cherry and spice character anchors the punch. For a creative pairing flight, serve it after a round of Spritz al Bitter to transition guests from lighter aperitifs to a serious Tuscan red.

Best For

• Sunday supper with slow-braised Italian dishes
• Gifting a Tuscan wine enthusiast exploring Chianti Classico's top expressions
• Building a cellar collection of age-worthy Sangiovese
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Riserva-level Tuscan reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nozzole Riserva taste like? It delivers ripe cherry and plum fruit balanced by firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and earthy undertones of leather, loam, and warm spice. Floral violet and herbal notes add aromatic complexity that deepens as the wine opens up.

How does Nozzole Riserva compare to Brunello di Montalcino? Both are 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, but Brunello di Montalcino typically requires longer aging (minimum two years in oak) and tends toward bolder tannins and deeper concentration. Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva, aged 16 months in large oak vats, generally presents a more approachable, fruit-driven profile at an earlier drinking window and a lower price tier.

Is Nozzole Riserva good for sipping neat? Yes—its balance of fruit, acidity, and structured tannins makes it rewarding on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the aromatics fully develop.

Where is Nozzole Riserva made? It is produced at Tenuta di Nozzole, located near the village of Greve in the Chianti Classico DOCG zone of central Tuscany, Italy. The estate is owned by the Folonari family, who have been making wine in the region since the 1700s.

What foods pair well with Nozzole Riserva? Bistecca alla Fiorentina highlights the wine's tannin structure and savory depth. Slow-braised wild boar ragù over pappardelle mirrors its earthy, spiced character. Aged Pecorino Toscano echoes the wine's firm backbone. Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic complements the herbal undertones. Mushroom risotto pairs naturally with its loamy, forest-floor notes.

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

Is Nozzole Riserva worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Chianti Classico Riserva, competing well against more expensive DOCG bottlings. With a 93-point James Suckling score and traditional large-oak aging, it delivers Riserva-level complexity and structure that punches above its price tier.

Why Nozzole Riserva?

Among Chianti Classico Riservas, this bottling stands out for its commitment to large-format oak aging rather than new barriques—a traditional Tuscan approach that allows the Sangiovese grape to express site and varietal character rather than wood flavor. The 93-point James Suckling score, along with 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, confirms consistent critical recognition across multiple respected publications. Backed by the Folonari family's centuries-long winemaking heritage and sourced from vineyards in the prime Greve sub-zone, Nozzole Riserva represents one of the more reliable entry points into serious, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico.