Deep ruby color; red cherry, blueberry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry, herbs, earth, dark tea, coconut, chocolate, licorice, smoke, crushed stone minerality on the nose and palate.
Dry; firm but not obnoxious tannins; excellent bright acidity (3.5 pH). Medium body. Supple, velvety mouthfeel. Significant structure, with tannins framing the pure, rich fruit without overwhelming the fruit. Easy drinker with some depth and complexity. Classic Chianti Classico balance of intensity and drinkability. Blend of 90% sangiovese, 10% cabernet sauvignon. 14.5% ABV
Founded in 1994, Tenuta di Arceno—Estate of Arceno—is part of the Jackson Family Wines group. The winery is located in the Castelnuovo Beradenga commune near the medieval village of San Gusme in the southernmost edge of the Chianti Classico appellation where wine has been made for more than 3,000 years. The state covers 2,500 acres of rolling hills and includes 220 acres of vines and 124 acres of olive trees. Established in 1998, the vineyard focuses on Chianti’s signature sangiovese grape. It also grows smaller percentages of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. The vineyards are distinguished by a remarkable diversity of elevations, aspects, soils, and microclimates, which perfectly fits winemaster’s Pierre Seillan’s approach to wine.
Seillan is the vigneron and winemaster. His career started at his family’s estate in Armagnac, France. He spent time in the Loire Valley, then 20 years in Bordeaux. The brand book notes: “His time in Bordeaux led him to discover ‘micro-crus’ as Pierre refers to them, and they became the basis of his philosophy of winemaking. At Tenuta di Arceno, Pierre works closely with his Italian team. He believes his job is to respect tradition, but also to do his part to enhance it.” The micro-cru philosophy divides each vineyard block into smaller sections based on the individual terroir. Each micro-cru is tended, harvested, and vinified separately and only come together in the final blending of the wine.
Lawrence Cronin, who grew up in New York City always aware of his family’s Italian heritage, has been the winemaker since 2002. Michele Pezzicoli is the vineyard manager. He has been with the estate since 1995 and has been key to developing Tenuta di Arceno’s sustainable vineyard program.
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2020 delivers serene tannins and a solid backbone of acidity that frame an impressive medley of dark fruits. A classic Chianti Classico Riserva effort from a winemaking team that knows how to exploit the diverse microclimates and elevations of the Arceno estate. Pairings—rich, fatty meats: grilled steaks, ribeye, New York strip, braised beef short ribs, T-bone (Bistecca alla Fiorentina), braised veal shanks (osso buco), wild boar ragù. Grilled leg of lamb with rosemary. Pasta and risotto. Cheese—pecorino Toscano, parmigiano-reggiano, fiore sardo (smoked pecorino variant), aged cheddar, smoked gouda, gorgonzola piccante. $36-45
