Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni’s Querciabella domaine has fought its way to the top of the Chianti producers’ league. For too long this appellation had been producing wines for everyday consumption. By contrast, at the Querciabella domaine they have thought long and hard about how to produce truly great wines. This includes working with individual parcels, converting the domaine to organic practices in 1988 and introducing biodynamic methods in 2000. The wines are unparalleled in the Chianti region. They boast consistency, balance, precision and texture. Prices are still reasonable, making this a range to discover.

Cuvée Riserva is a blend from parcels in the communes of Greve, Radda and Gaiole. The wine is aged in French barrels (only 20% new wood to avoid infusing the wine) for 16 to 20 months. This cuvée has a pleasing texture balanced out by a touch of tartness. The tannins are delicate and well-integrated, even when the wine is young. It should be laid down for between 5 and 20 years.