La Querce Seconda - Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

La Querce Seconda is a small, organic estate located between San Casciano Val di Pesa and Montespertoli in the northernmost corner of Chianti Classico, an area noted for producing wines with an alluring freshness. The estate covers 45 hectares of untouched forests, olive orchards, and naturally farmed vineyards. Niccolo Bernabei is the second generation of his winemaking family, and along with his wife, Linda, they are devoted to using only Sangiovese in their Chianti. The couple exert most of their effort in maintaining their soils in order to make sure the vines express the terroir of the area. All wines are fermented with native yeasts, low levels of sulfur and are aged in large, neutral oak botti.

La Querce Seconda's Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot from hand harvested organic fruit planted on galestro soils of loose marl and limestone. The wine is fermented in stainless steel before moving to old barrels of both 500 and 2000-liter French oak for 18 months. Mid ruby color with powerful aromas of cherry, pomegranate, and violets. On the palate, the wine features notes of wild berries, raspberries, currant, spice, and a hint of toast with soft tannins and a vibrant acidity. Enjoy with a boar ragù served on pappardelle pasta.