2013 Monteraponi Chianti Classico

Price: $28 Region: Tuscany < ItalyGrapes: Sangiovese (95%), CanaioloVineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming, ‘Galestro’ soil (a type of rocky limestone clay) low SO2Winemaker: Michele Braganti This is a beautiful, focused and traditional example of Sangiovese, from rising star and Chianti purist Michele Braganti (and about as natural as they come in Tuscany). The high-elevation Monteraponi estate near the village of Radda has existed since the 10th century but was revived when Michele started making superb Chianti in a traditional style with only indigenous Tuscan grapes (no international varieties), organic farming, native yeast fermentation, aging in cement tank and large barrels, and no fining/filtering. Lush red berry fruit in the mouth with layers of mineral, cedar, tobacco leaf and earth finishing with firm tannin structure and a dusty, mineral note. I visited Michele last summer, discussed Chianti politics with him, and tasted his wine directly from barrels. He’s the real dea