2022 Molino di Grace - Chianti Classico Riserva (750ml)

Il Molino di Grace takes its name from a nineteenth-century windmill that still stands on the property in Panzano's famed Conca d'Oro, though the vineyards themselves have been cultivated for over 350 years, first tended by monks from a local monastery. American businessman Frank Grace founded the modern winery in the 1990s, building a state-of-the-art cellar in 1997 with his sons Tim and Daniel, blending organic and sustainable practices with old-world Tuscan tradition. Today the estate produces around 150,000 bottles annually, all from hand-harvested, organically farmed fruit grown in rocky galestro soil.

The Riserva is crafted entirely from Sangiovese grown between 280 and 400 meters elevation on south-facing slopes, trained on spurred cordons and harvested by hand from late September into October. Fermentation involves about 20 days of maceration at controlled temperature with gentle punch-downs to extract color and structure without harshness. The wine then ages for roughly a year across a mix of stainless steel, Slavonian oak casks, French barriques, and second-use tonneaux, a varied approach meant to build complexity while keeping the wine balanced.

The glass shows a bright ruby red with a dark core, opening to dark cherry, plum, and mocha alongside notes of leather, licorice, and incense. The palate is rich yet well balanced, with tightly woven tannins, a salty-savory edge, and floral notes returning on the long finish. It is an excellent match for grilled lamb, roasted game birds, or aged Tuscan pecorino.