Weekly Wine Review - Italian Red - 2009 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Chianti and pizza - you just can't go wrong with this combo. On a recent pilgrimage to the Mt. Olympus of Phoenix pizza - Pizzeria Bianco, we opted for a Chianti Classico to go with our incredible pizzas. If you find yourself in the Valley of the Sun with enough spare time to wait an hour or two for a table at this tiny pizzeria - it will be time well spent. They only have a few different variations available on the menu, but every type of pizza we had was killer.  

Wine: 2009 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy
Grape Varieties: Sangiovese

Obtained from: Purchased at Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix, AZ

Price: $25 Retail, $50 at the Restaurant

Wino4Life Category: Weekend Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural Cork - no defects or issues. (Waiter took it away before I was able to include it in a photo).

Appearance: Wine is clear, dark red and slightly transparent in the core with a water white rim.

Aroma: Very nice cherry and mineral notes - very aromatic right after opening with no special aeration.

Taste: Nice ripe fruit, nicely balance with enough acidity to stand up against the tomato sauce and cheese of our awesome pizza.

The Grade: I give this one an A.  A very nice example of a Chianti Classico. I have had Chianti Classico Riservas that were a bit more expensive, but not as aromatic or tasty as this wine.  I don't believe my Total Wine & More store carries this one, but I will be looking out for how to get more of this one for any spaghetti or pizza night.