The 1974 Nozzole Chianti Classico Reserva was bought May 30, 1980 for $8.99. It has 12.5% alcohol and scored 18 points on the Dionysian 20-point scale. It was loaded with sediment and after decanting, the orange edge and reddish body sent off leather, dried strawberry and herbal notes. It was still holding at 41 years old, and showed a long clean aftertaste. A perfectluy balanced food-wine.
Home made lasagna with a sauce made from home grown tomatoes shouldered with a simple salad permitted the wine to be the featured item of the meal.
The vineyards were first cultivated in the 13th century just north of Greve in the heart of the Classico zone. This high scoring red was perfect on a cold winter’s evening and well worth the wait.
Nozzole has long been a favorite Chainti of mine.
There are seven delimited zones covering the Chianti area. The Classico is the oldest and one of the best.
Super Tuscans are simply a bit of Sangiovese (the main grape of Chianti) with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon added making them more suited for western taste. They’ nothing like original Chianti and are usually way over-priced. In vino veritas.
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