2019 I Fabbri, Chianti Classico, Riserva

I Fabbri is based in Lamole, a subzone at the northern edge of Chianti Classico, where the vines trickle out of the Monti del Chianti at around 680 meters - the highest elevations within Chianti Classico. While Lamole was once considered a marginal, difficult place to ripen Sangiovese, the Grassi family has a deep-rooted perspective, having farmed these sandstone terraces since 1600 (and organically since 2000). In today’s warming climate, this altitude has shifted from a challenge to a geological argument for purity and a new era for Lamole — Macigno sandstone, altitude, cool forest breezes, and diurnal swings slow ripening to a crawl. The Riserva is aged in 500-liter French tonneaux, chosen precisely because the family doesn't want wood flavor; they want Lamole flavor. Mountain herbs, bright red cherry, and violets. The 2019 vintage carries a lot of natural power, and this treatment helps tame its assertive tannins. It integrates the structure without smothering the aromatics, allowing the wine's intrinsic floral notes and mineral clarity to really shine.