2020 TENUTA LA NOVELLA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DOCG – A TUSCAN TREASURE, REVIEWED BY WHISKY BROKERS ASSOCIATES

At Whisky Brokers Associates, we seek out wines that tell a story—wines that capture the spirit of the land they come from and offer something truly memorable in the glass. The 2020 Tenuta la Novella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is one such wine. With its deep complexity, balance, and unmistakable sense of place, this is a Chianti Classico Riserva that deserves attention.

A Vineyard Rooted in History

Nestled high in the hills of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, Tenuta la Novella is a winery steeped in history. This estate has long been known for producing wines of exceptional character, and its location—500 metres above sea level—gives it a unique advantage. The altitude allows for cooler nights and a longer growing season, helping the Sangiovese grapes develop incredible depth of flavour while maintaining their signature freshness.

The vineyard operates entirely organically, a commitment that enhances the purity of the fruit and allows the terroir to shine through. No synthetic pesticides or fertilisers are used, and the focus is on maintaining the health of the vines through natural, sustainable methods. This hands-off approach results in wines that are not just delicious but also true to their origin, with a level of finesse that’s impossible to replicate through industrial winemaking.

The 2020 vintage was particularly exciting for Chianti Classico, with near-perfect growing conditions that allowed for excellent ripeness, balanced acidity, and refined tannins—all elements that make this Riserva an outstanding bottle.

The Tasting Experience

From the moment the cork is pulled, the experience begins. Deep ruby in colour, with garnet reflections that hint at its time spent aging in oak, this wine immediately catches the eye. As we poured it into our glasses, we could already sense the richness it had to offer.

The Nose – Layers of intrigue
Bringing the glass to our noses, we were greeted by a bouquet that was both inviting and complex. The aromas evolved with every swirl, revealing new facets of the wine’s character.

Ripe dark cherries and blackberries take centre stage, giving the wine an immediate, juicy appeal.

As the wine opens up, floral notes of dried violets and a touch of rose petal emerge, adding a delicate, perfumed quality.

There’s a distinct earthiness, reminiscent of wet forest floor and sun-warmed terracotta, grounding the wine with an Old World charm.

Subtle hints of cedarwood, crushed black pepper, and sweet tobacco come through, offering a refined spice element that speaks to the wine’s time spent aging in oak barrels.

The nose alone is enough to make you want to linger—but the real magic happens on the palate.

The First Sip – A Perfect Balance of Power and Elegance
The first sip of this Chianti Classico Riserva is nothing short of mesmerising. This is a wine that offers both structure and silkiness, something that can only be achieved through meticulous winemaking and patient aging.

The initial burst of flavour is bold and fruit-forward, with flavours of ripe black cherries, red plums, and blackcurrants filling the mouth. The fruit is luscious but never overbearing—each note remains in perfect harmony with the wine’s bright acidity.

As the wine evolves on the palate, layers of complexity begin to reveal themselves. There’s a touch of dried Mediterranean herbs—rosemary, thyme, and sage—along with hints of black tea and liquorice, which add an intriguing savoury depth.

The influence of oak aging becomes evident as the mid-palate develops. Subtle vanilla, warm baking spices, and a hint of dark chocolate weave seamlessly into the wine’s core, enhancing its richness without overshadowing the purity of the Sangiovese fruit.

The Finish – Long, Lingering, and Luxurious
One of the true marks of a great Chianti Classico Riserva is the quality of its finish, and the 2020 Tenuta la Novella does not disappoint.

The tannins are finely integrated, offering a structured yet velvety mouthfeel that lingers beautifully.

A wave of sweet tobacco and leather emerges towards the end, giving the finish a distinctly refined, old-world character.

Just as you think the flavours are fading, a final burst of minerality and bright red fruit appears, leaving a lasting impression of freshness that begs for another sip.

This is a wine with presence—one that stays with you long after the glass is empty.

A Wine for Every Occasion

As we sat around tasting this wine, we couldn’t help but imagine the perfect setting for enjoying it. This is a wine that demands to be shared, whether it’s over a long, leisurely dinner with friends or as a special bottle for a quiet evening of indulgence.

Pair it with classic Tuscan cuisine—a rich wild boar ragu, truffle-infused pasta, or a thick-cut Florentine steak—and you’ll experience how effortlessly this wine enhances every dish. Even on its own, with just a selection of aged pecorino and some crusty bread, this wine feels like a feast for the senses.

Final Thoughts

Tasting the 2020 Tenuta la Novella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG was a reminder of why Chianti Classico remains one of the world’s most revered wine regions. This wine is alive with character, showcasing everything we love about well-made Sangiovese—bright acidity, rich fruit, savoury depth, and incredible aging potential.

At Whisky Brokers Associates, we only bring in wines that we believe in—wines that offer exceptional quality, a true sense of place, and a story worth sharing. This Chianti Classico Riserva ticks every box, making it an essential addition to any serious wine lover’s collection.

If you love bold yet balanced wines, if you appreciate elegance and power in equal measure, and if you want to experience a bottle that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, this is the wine for you.

A truly unforgettable Chianti Classico Riserva—one that we’ll be revisiting again and again.