A glass of Chianti Riserva is like a journey to the heart of the most authentic Tuscany. The more than 200 small producers who proudly deliver their grapes to Cantina Viticoltori Senesi Aretini every year are well aware of this. We are located between Siena and Arezzo, in a hilly area where viticulture has a thousand-year history. Here, a fortunate combination of soil and climate factors make the territory particularly suited to the production of high quality wines. A good example of this is this Chianti DOCG which boasts the mention of ‘Riserva’. This indicates that the wine has undergone a longer period of ageing, according to the regulations, and that it meets specific quality requirements. Specifically, this wine from the Cantina Viticoltori Senesi Aretini winery is a blend of Sangiovese - the main grape variety - which accounts for 85% of the blend. The remaining 15% is made up of other grape varieties authorised by the regulations, such as Canaiolo and Colorino. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks, with maceration on the skins for 25 days, to extract colour, tannins and aromas. The wine then ages in large barrels for a period of 8-12 months, acquiring complexity and roundness. Intense red in colour, this Tuscan wine reveals a complex and intense bouquet, with spicy notes of black pepper, cloves and tobacco, which blend with hints of ripe red fruit, such as cherry and plum. In the mouth it is warm, soft, structured and round, with a full and persistent finish. Good to drink now, this Chianti Riserva can be cellared for several years. When you decide to open it, you can pair it with grilled meats, such as bistecca fiorentina, and with wild mushrooms, such as sautéed or baked porcini mushrooms. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it also goes well with aged cheeses and game.