The results are in, and Caparsa's intensely delicious Doccio a Matteo Chianti Classico Riserva was one of the top red wines produced in the incredible 2021 Tuscan vintage.
Proprietor Paolo Cianferoni only makes this single vineyard wine in top years, and he believes this is one of the best wines he has ever created. Famed critic Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media agreed, rating this 96 points!
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Doccio a Matteo is a brooding, virile wine. The darker side of Sangiovese comes through in this somber, imposing Riserva. Black cherry, plum, leather, graphite, chocolate and cloves stain the palate. There's tremendous substance here. This explosive Riserva cries for the dinner table. It's another superb effort from Caparsa. Drink 2025 - 2041."
I can say with certainty that you will not come across many 96 pointers for less than $50, but this is one of those wines.
It's on deal for $47.99/bottle best price -- no further discounts -- just 24 bottles up for grabs.
Winemakers don't come much more passionate than Paolo Cianferoni. He champions traditional farming (aka organic) and winemaking (aka native yeasts, minimal new oak, and minimal sulfur), and I agree with his approach wholeheartedly. I'd do the same if I were him to protect those old, low-yielding Sangiovese vines that are the key to his winery's success.
The Doccio a Matteo vineyard is owned entirely by Caparsa and is home to their oldest Sangiovese vines. Paolo makes this wine with minimal intervention to preserve the wine's natural purity and substance. Hand-harvested grapes are fermented with native yeasts, and the wine is aged for 18 months in neutral oak. It is then bottled with minimal fining or filtration, so don't be surprised if this throws some sediment.
The finished wine is a stunning example of Sangiovese from Radda, one of the greatest spots on the planet to cultivate the grape. Dark and intense, it smells of dark berries, cherry liqueur, violets, eucalyptus, and exotic spices. The tannins are fine yet dense, and the finish is persistent and long.
This can be enjoyed now with a LONG DECANT, like all day, and it will age with grace for 15 to 20 years.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
