About Chianti Classico Riserva 'Giuliano'
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Sangiovese
- Price Range
- $28-35
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
Castello La Leccia's Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, historically labeled 'Giuliano', is a 100% Sangiovese selection from manually harvested, organically farmed grapes on south/southwest-facing slopes rich in alberese, marl and chalk. It ages roughly 18 months in French oak barrels and barriques, followed by around 6 months in bottle. Aromas of wild dark cherry, leather, licorice, incense, cloves and dried flowers lead to a vibrant, mineral, velvety palate with dense, soft tannins and a long finish.
The violet-and-leather aromatics here are a textbook expression of what makes great Chianti Classico Riserva age-worthy.
New to wine?
A step up in structure and complexity from the base Chianti Classico — a great intro to Riserva-style Sangiovese.
Food Pairings
Ideal with roast game, braised beef, aged pecorino, and other robust Tuscan dishes that can stand up to its structure.
When to drink it
Special dinners, aged cheese courses, wine club tastings.
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Sangiovese, hand-harvested from organically farmed vines at 350-500m altitude with south/southwest exposure on alberese, marl and chalk soils. Aged approx. 18 months in French oak barrels and barriques, followed by approx. 6 months bottle aging before release. ABV approx. 14.5%. Built for 5-10 years of further cellaring.
About the producer
Castello La LecciaHistoric Castellina estate crafting organic, single-vineyard Chianti Classico.Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is this wine sometimes labeled 'Giuliano'?
- Giuliano was the historical name Castello La Leccia used for its Chianti Classico Riserva; older vintages and some markets still reference it under that name.
- How does the Riserva differ from the base Chianti Classico?
- It ages about 18 months in French oak (versus roughly 12 months for the base wine) and comes from a stricter selection of grapes, giving it more structure, tannin density and aging potential.
- How long can this wine be cellared?
- It is built for roughly 5-10 years of further aging beyond release, developing more leather, incense and dried-flower complexity over time.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Robust dishes like roast game, braised beef, and aged pecorino match its dense, velvety tannin structure.
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