Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 vintage: See Chianti Classico DOCG.

2016 in a nutshell: Hot summer, followed by some opportune autumn rain. The best wines are velvety, drinking beautifully now (2018)-2030. The wines had low pH [more acid strength, more stable] similar to 2010: silky, sexy, structured, finesse.

Paolo de Marchi of Isole e Olena told me (Anteprima 2019) 2016 ‘was like 2010, perfect and cool so you had to wait for the tannins to ripen. The wines had low pH [more acid strength, more stable]’. Paolo de Marchi also told me (28 Jan 2021 by ‘Phone) ‘2016 was a dream vintage for all varieties, red or white. Not too hot. Bright light. It was hot and dry when needed. 2016 was high in alcohol but with full ripeness in the tannins. Cepparello had 15% alcohol but you do not feel it at all. The Cabernet in 2016 gave freshness in the aromas and good acidity.’

‘2016 was a much more balanced growing season compared to 2015, with rain and cooler spells between hot and sunny periods. 2016 was also defined by a wonderful Indian summer with cooler nights and warm days. The best 2016 Chianti Classicos shine thanks to vibrant acidity which gives the wines a grippy backbone, not dissimilar to some the lively nature reminiscent of some of the great wines made in the early 1990s,’ (Monty Waldin). ‘2016. Low July rainfall, summer not excessively hot. Potentially excellent; very distinctive Sangiovese’, (Susan Hulme MW, Decanter May 2018, p.91).

2016 Growing season: ‘The 2016 vintage profile was standard, without any health problems in the vineyards. The only noteworthy event was the low rainfalls registered at the end of July during veraison, but the water stress was overcome by rainfalls at the end of August and beginning of September. The balance was also supported by the heat regularity without extreme spikes in the last month, and this helped grapes ripening with no overripe or cooked fruit. The excellent summer saw low rainfalls and high temperatures in July and August, but above all [day-night] temperature shifts allowed [the potential for wines with pronounced aroma and acidity. Wines with high levels of extract, anthocyanins, polyphenols and concentration,’ (Source: Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico).

2016 Vineyard area: 6,906 hectares (Source: Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico).

2016 Production: 286,388hl (Valoritalia, Federdoc). 281,000hl (Consorzio). 37,768,133 bottles (Valoritalia).