A 100% expression of Sangiovese, the 2019 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso reveals a medium-dark garnet appearance with fresh aromas of cherry, earthy iris root and black olive. There is a wild element to this wine that shapes its overall personality. This is a production of 50,000 bottles.

An easy and accessible single-vineyard expression, the 2018 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso opens to dried cherry and plum with light spice and tobacco. There is a sweet note on the close that recalls blackberry or cherry confit, and the wine finishes with a soft and round mid-weight style. This is a family-priced Chianti Classico to plunk down on the table next to a big platter of that Italian-American favorite, cheese-filled manicotti.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso is a single-vineyard expression of 100% Sangiovese that opens to a pretty garnet color and delivers soft aromas of ripe cherry and plum followed by light spice and tilled earth. Like the lower-end Chianti Classico from this same scorching hot and dry vintage, this wine expertly manages to avoid any jammy or heavy overripe sensations. The mouthfeel is simple, short and slightly sweet. It would be great to match with a pumpkin risotto. Some 50,000 bottles were made.

The 2016 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso is a pure expression of Sangiovese from a single vineyard site with vines planted from 200 to 250 meters above sea level. This is a mid-weight Tuscan red that offers a tonic and energized bouquet with wild berry, tangy spice, grilled herb and crushed gravel. This vintage delivers balance and elegance.

The 2015 Chianti Classico Tenuta Sant’Alfonso brings us a big step up in intensity, density and concentration compared to the base Chianti Classico from the same vintage. This wine is darker in appearance and more robust in personality. Its more muscular body mass means you can pair it will grilled meat or spicy sausage. The finish is sweet and laced with ripe cherry fruit. On the close, you get cinnamon and dark vanilla extract. The style here is contemporary yet informal overall.