I don't know how Chianti could get much better than the 2020 Castello di Bossi Berardo Riserva.
I'd happily put this highly-rated (93 to 97 points from top critics) Tuscan red up against much more expensive Chiantis and Brunellos, and it would fare well. Monica Larner of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, described this one perfectly, and she also listed a suggested retail of $45.
"The organic Castello di Bossi 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo offers a velvet-like texture with substantial aromas of dark plum and sweet cherry and moderate tones of earth and spice that are expertly woven within the wine's fine texture."
Part of Castello di Bossi's success is the fact that they are located in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the southernmost part of the Chianti Classico zone. These warmer vineyards are highly regarded and known for producing rounder, richer, and fuller versions of Chianti. In fact the wine's "Berardo" name is a shortened way of saying "it comes from Berardenga."
Berardo is a perfect example of this rich elegance, and take a look below at Castello di Bossi's vineyards. How could anything bad come from here?
With 5 years of "bottle conditioning" on this pure Sangiovese, it tastes just as pretty and soulful as the place from which it came. I'm enamored with the balance of ripe and generous Sangiovese fruit that matches up beautifully with the more savory and complex elements that this wine presents. Plus, those 5 years in barrel and bottle have brought this wine into complete harmony.
Will it age further? You bet it will, but it's going to be hard for me to keep my hands off of this one, as I think it's in a super sweet spot right now. The ripeness of the 2020 Tuscan vintage is in play here, but that sunbaked fruit is balanced by fine-grained tannins and zesty acids. Bravo!
This is not your run-of-the-mill, "wicker basket Chianti." Not even close, this is a grand wine that will offer wonderful drinking for the next 7 or 8 years. Enjoy it with a hearty mushroom-based pasta dish.
If I were you, I'd buy at least 3 bottles : )
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
