Terre di Mellazzano produces a range of gorgeous Chianti from an old farmhouse halfway from Siena to Florence. The fruit for this wine is organically farmed, vinified and bottled on the estate near Greve in Chianti. This Chianti Classico DOCG is named ChiAndrè after the Chiara and two Andreas who made it. The wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Merlot. After vinification the Sangiovese and Canaiolo are both aged for a year in large oak barrels to tame Sangioves's tannins. The Merlot is aged for a year in French oak barriques adding flavours of sweet baking spices. The result is inspired: Sangiovese's classic sour red cherry aromas jump out of the glass with undertones of vanilla from the aged Merlot. Canaiolo, one of the original grapes from the very first Chianti blends dating back to the 13th century, brings body and texture complementing Sangiovese's firm tannins. This 2022 is drinking beautifully. It is young, fresh, complex, structured and very, very moreish. Though intended to be drunk within a few years of being bottled, there's more than enough structure and flavour in the bottle to continue developing for a few more years yet. On the nose you get cherry and spice with subtle undertones of leather and meat. The palette is fresh, with texture and structure and a certain chewiness. This is my favourite style of red wine. There's enough going on for a thoroughly enjoyable drink without overwhelming whatever you might be eating. Drink this with Sunday roast, rich pasta dishes or, decandently, with pizza. If you can get the salsiccia from the Garfagnana that would be the perfect match.
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