# Chianti Classico Riserva (2023)

- **Producer:** Kirkland Signature
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, rose, black pepper, cedar, smoke, leather, tar

## About this wine

Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva is created through Costco Wholesale's private label program in collaboration with winemaking partners in central Tuscany, Italy. Sourced from vineyards within the Chianti Classico DOCG zone, this wine offers an authentic Tuscan Riserva crafted under strict regional regulations at an accessible value.

## Interesting facts

- Requires a minimum of 24 months of aging prior to release under Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG regulations.
- Costco collaborates directly with established Tuscan estates like Villa Cafaggio to bottle this wine.
- Awarded 90 Points and Best Buy recognition by professional tasting panels for the 2023 vintage.

## Food pairing

High natural acidity and firm tannic structure inherent to Sangiovese make this wine an exceptional pairing for rich, fatty meats and savory, tomato-based Italian dishes. The acidity slices through tomato sauces and fat, while tannins bind to meat proteins.

## Wine making process

Produced under Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG guidelines, grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats with 12 to 18 days of skin maceration. In accordance with designation laws, the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months prior to release, including extensive oak cask maturation followed by bottle aging.