Mar 16 2010
2003 Chianti Riserva, Villa Emanuela
Given Southwold's proud seafaring tradition, it was hard to resist bottles from Tuscany's Barbanera ('Black Beard') family, based near Montepulciano. Fitting, then, that the wine we liked best was this hearty Chianti Riserva made from 100% Sangiovese: 'sanguis Jovis', the blood of Jupiter. Sourced from old, low-yielding vines and oak-aged for two years, it's ripe, ready and vital, a treasure trove of rich spicy red cherry flavour. Swig with garlicky steaks.
