Chianti Classico new releases: Best buys in 2022

At an elevation of 400 metres, Vigna del Sorbo boasts Chianti Classico’s classic Galestro soil. The warm southwest-facing vineyard typically yields a powerful, intense wine in need of ageing. The 2019 demonstrates all the wild, penetrating characteristics of this site but it comes into harmony quickly, revealing its balance and precision. Wood-driven top notes of smoke and vanilla meld into pressed violets, rosemary and liquorice. Luscious red cherry and dark plum flesh are wrapped in long, layered chalky tannins. Across the palate there's an energetic beam of unwavering acidity, giving the wine a linear feel. The finish reverberates with fennel and crushed stone.

Riecine’s first ever Gran Selezione is a true beauty. It comes from the Gittori vineyard, a south-facing plot which sits above 500 metres, planted in 1971 - after renting it for 20 years, the estate was finally able to purchase it in 2019. The nose shows pure, precise fragrances of rose, wildflower, raspberry and spice. Fruit is at the fore, with integrated oak in the background – simply there to support. Youthfully plump and joyful at the moment, the succulent acidity and silky tannins bring vibrancy and alluring texture respectively. It has the depth and complexity worthy of Gran Selezione and is a glorious demonstration that the category isn’t solely reserved for muscle-bound powerhouses.

Fontodi’s brand spanking new Terrazze San Leolino Gran Selezione is a stunner. San Leolino was recognised locally as a cru site 200 years ago. The recently renewed terraces sit at 450 metres in Panzano but - unlike Fontodi’s Vigna del Sorbo, which is characterised by Galestro - the soil here is calcareous Alberese. Though recently bottled, this is forthright in its earthy, stony, mineral-like aromas. Elegant yet profound, the palate demonstrates decisive rose, red cherry and long-chained, enveloping tannins, finishing with a tangy salinity. It is still very buttoned up but has so much promise.

The only one of Istine’s single-vineyard bottlings that hails from outside Radda, Vigna Cavarchione is located in the neighbouring township of Gaiole. It is east- to southeast-facing on predominantly Galestro soil at 420 metres. The 2019 has a sweet/savoury personality with a firm backbone. Dark plum and wild strawberry meet balsamic herb nuances. It is expansive and mouth-filling, though not heavy. Lively acidity races though it and a distinct saline twist cleanses the palate. A lengthy finale of violet and tobacco begs another sip.

The vineyards of Badia a Passignano surround an ancient monastery which has belonged to Benedictine monks since the 11th century. It’s just 3km south of Antinori’s Tignanello estate, from which the Sangiovese cuttings hail. Youthful, graceful and unencumbered by masses of oak, this expresses pretty floral, red cherry and cedar. Smooth yet tactile, the tannins are sleek and yielding, and succulent acidity contributes to the levity and clarity of this mid-weight, elegant Gran Selezione. Glossy red berries are infused with sage on the palate. Everything is in place - almost too perfectly.

The annata category seems ill-fitting for this complex wine from a steep 550m-high vineyard in the Radda sub-zone. Displaying an intoxicating nose of kirsch, botanicals and potpourri, the combination of pure red fruit and bracing acidity is almost Burgundian. Balsam herbs and savoury minerals outline the gorgeous finish. Unsurprisingly, Istine owner Angela Fronti is considering upgrading this to Gran Selezione.

As with Vigna Istine, Vigna Casanova dell’Aia is characterised by limestone marls of Alberese and Galestro, however it boasts a greater presence of clay which gives more vigour. It is also south- rather than north-facing and sits at 500 metres. The 2019 offers quite a bit of stuffing: plush dark red cherries are sumptuous and juicy, nuanced by liquorice, tarragon and sweet fresh earth. There's a stony mineral note under the generous fruit, while compact chalky tannins assert themselves graciously.

Planted in 1984, Bugialla is a 4ha plot at 500 metres on stony Galestro soil. Owner Piero Lanza picks the larger bunches first for the Chianti Classico and leaves the smaller bunches to ripen longer for the Riserva. Just bottled, the 2019 is shy but with coaxing, aromas of herbs and lavender emerge. Tight on the entry, it expands with a soft ripeness of charming brambly fruit, succulent with compact chalky tannins. Intricately textured and long.