Chianti Classico (2021)

About this wine

This is a predominantly Sangiovese Chianti Classico with roughly 85 percent Sangiovese and 15 percent Merlot according to available listings, sourced from the estate around Castelnuovo Berardenga in Chianti Classico. On the nose it shows tart cherry and red plum with floral hints of violet and subtle cedar and earth notes. The palate is mid to full bodied with juicy acidity, ripe dark fruit, a touch of licorice and warm spice, and a firm but polished tannic frame. Texture is smooth and slightly velvety, with a long finish that keeps the fruit and a minerally note in focus. The estate describes the fruit as coming from some of the cooler blocks on the property which contributes to the wine’s vibrant acidity, and critics have noted the wine’s concentration and approachable structure for the vintage.

About the grape

Sangiovese is the backbone of this Chianti Classico, comprising about 85 percent of the 2021 blend and coming from the estate s cooler blocks where pronounced day to night temperature swings help the grapes keep lively acidity and concentrated phenolics. This variety has deep roots in central Italy, prized for its savory structure and natural acidity, and at Arceno it is managed for lower yields and ripeness balance so it provides backbone and firm tannins in the bottling. Merlot makes up roughly 15 percent of the blend, an internationally known Bordeaux variety that was adopted in Tuscany to add mid palate roundness and supple fruit, and here it is used sparingly to soften Sangiovese s edges while preserving varietal clarity.

Quick facts

• 🏛️ The wine comes from the southernmost edge of Chianti Classico, the estate is often described as the most Senese Chianti Classico which gives it a distinct Siena influenced character
• 🌍 Tenuta di Arceno was acquired by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke in 1994, making this Chianti Classico part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio while keeping a strong Tuscan identity
• ❄️ The 2021 bottling leans on cooler vineyard blocks at the estate which producers say is why the wine shows the lively acidity and floral notes uncommon for its power
• 🧩 Arceno practices a micro parcelling approach with the estate divided into many small blocks, each block informs the character of the Chianti Classico giving the wine a patchwork of soil driven flavors
• 🍇 Although rooted in Sangiovese the Chianti Classico 2021 includes Merlot which adds a rounder mid palate presence, a choice that reflects the estate’s long term blending of native and international varieties

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta di Arceno, located in Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan civilization, with the name 'Arceno' derived from the Etruscan word 'arché,' meaning 'origin point.' In 1504, the Del Taja family began expanding the estate, and in 1829, it was acquired by the Piccolomini family, who enhanced the property with gardens and villas. In 1994, the estate was purchased by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, marking one of their first ventures outside California. Today, Tenuta di Arceno spans 1,000 hectares, with 92 hectares dedicated to vineyards, and is renowned for producing exceptional wines that reflect its diverse terroir.