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The Kirkland Chianti Classico Reserva 2020 is an $8.99 Costco exclusive. It is produced for Costco by Villa Cafaggio who also produced a different Chianti for Costco in 2020. Villa Cafaggio has a history that goes back to 1408, and the Chianti region in Tuscany dates to 1716.
Sangiovese is the main grape of Chianti. The Chianti Classico is the oldest Chianti growing region and is designated DOCG. DOCG is the highest Italian wine quality classification and has the strictest quality control rules in the vineyard and the winemaking process.
The Chianti Classico region is the older, classic Chianti area and there is a separate Chianti growing region with slightly different rules and regulations, both are rated DOCG.
The Kirkland Chianti Classico Reserva 2020 is a Reserva wine which means it must have a minimum of two years of age with 3 months of bottle age. A check of Villa Cafaggio suggested that this bottling was made specifically for Costco, but they do their oak barrel aging with Slovakian oak. It is the same species as French oak so it should impart similar qualities to the wine.
Chianti Classico Reserve typically sells in the $15 to $50 range with the Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Reserve 2020 averaging $18. You can identify a Chianti Classico wine from a regular Chianti wine by the black rooster logo on the neck of the bottle. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Kirkland Chianti Classico Reserva 2020 Tasting Notes
The color is cranberry red. The nose is spicy, with bright red berries, a savory note, black pepper, a hint of mint, brewing coffee, and black cherry. The Kirkland Chianti Classico Reserva 2020 is smooth, rich, and full of flavor.
This Chianti tastes like ripe black cherry, a slap of soft spice, plum, dusty chocolate powder, black pepper, and blackberry. The mid-palate adds nectarine, raspberry, orange zest, and mocha. This is a tasty well-made wine, it is very balanced.
The Summary
- The Kirkland Chianti Classico Reserva 2020 is a very real bargain at $8.99.
- A solid Chianti from an excellent producer in the heat of the Chianti region.
- Take this to your favorite BYOB pizza joint.
