From: Chianti Classico. Italy
Varietal: Sangiovese
Taste: On the nose, this wine is elegant and expressive, offering a bouquet of red berries, blackberries, and violet notes. The time spent aging in French oak barrels contributes complexity, bringing forward subtle hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico displays a textural character, with the bright flavors of red and black fruits intermingling with the wine's vibrant acidity. The soft tannins provide structure and support, while the oak aging imparts a touch of vanilla and a gentle toastiness. The finish is long and persistent, with a satisfying balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins.
Critical acclaim: Vinous Media gave this vintage a 92-95 point review, stating that " the 2020s are rich, sumptuous wines. The best of these wines show terrific depth, gorgeous purity of fruit, and fully ripe tannins."
Pairing: The versatile nature of the 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico allows it to pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it an excellent match for red meats like beef, lamb, and venison, as well as poultry and game. The wine's structure also complements heartier dishes like pasta with rich tomato sauces, risottos, and stews. The soft tannins and acidity can cut through the richness of aged cheeses and charcuterie, making it an excellent choice for antipasto platters.
In keeping with its Tuscan roots, the 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico pairs beautifully with traditional regional dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled T-bone steak flavored with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary. Other regional pairings include Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pappardelle pasta with wild boar ragù), Ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), and Panzanella (a bread and tomato salad).
Vegetarian dishes that showcase earthy flavors and textures will complement the fruit and acidity in the 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico. Consider pairing this wine with dishes like Eggplant Parmesan, a mushroom risotto, or a hearty vegetable lasagna. For lighter fare, try a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, or a grilled vegetable platter with an assortment of seasonal vegetables and a balsamic glaze. The wine's acidity will also work well with tomato-based dishes like pasta with marinara sauce or a classic Margherita pizza (see recipe + dough recipe below).
Pizza Margherita
Recipe from Carlo Mirarchi, Brandon Hoy, Chris Parachini and Katherine Wheelock
Adapted by Sam Sifton
Roberta’s Pizza Dough
Recipe from Carlo Mirarchi, Brandon Hoy, Chris Parachini and Katherine Wheelock
Adapted by Sam Sifton
About. There is something truly magical about Tuscany's picturesque, rolling hills and its world-renowned Chianti Classico wines. Among these gems, the 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico stands out as a top-quality, sustainable, and exceptional value wine. Produced by the family-owned Tenuta Orsumella winery, this vintage has garnered high praise from Vinous Media and Gambero Rosso, with ratings of 92-95 points and Two Biccheri, respectively.
Tenuta Orsumella, a 200-acre winery located in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, has been producing high-quality wines for three generations. Run by the Menichetti family, the winery follows sustainable and organic practices and has been BIO certified since 2018. Their dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of their work, from the vineyard to the cellar, as they carefully handpick and select each grape.
The 2020 Vintage: A Great Year for Chianti Classico
The 2020 Orsumella Chianti Classico is a testament to the exceptional quality of the vintage. Vinous Media describes the 2020 Chianti Classicos as "rich, sumptuous wines" with "terrific depth, gorgeous purity of fruit, and fully ripe tannins." Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, this 100% Sangiovese wine boasts elegance and complexity in its tasting notes.
Wine Details:
Production Area. San Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence
Terrain type. The vineyards are located on terrains that have various morphological characteristics, such as the presence of Alberese sandstone and Galestro marlstone, located at an average altitude of over 300 m a.s.l.
Production Technology/Vinification. The wine is produced from handpicked Sangiovese grapes in small crates and undergo further selection in the cellar. Skin maceration has an average length of 15- 20 days, during this period its alcoholic fermentation is completed at a controlled temperature of 27 degrees. Daily pumpovers and delestage are finalized for a greater extraction.
Aging. The wine is poured in stainless steel tanks where the malolactic fermentation happens. At a later time it is placed in French Oak Barrels where it ages for ten months. At the end of this period the wine is bottled, undergoes further aging and then is placed on the market.