Bellavista 2001

Made from 90% sangiovese and 10% malvasia nera. I wrote about this wine when its first vintage, the 1978, came out, and since then I have followed the coherent progression of its vintages. It comes from the higher part of Gaiole in Chianti, from a vineyard lying approximately 450 metres above sea level. It has a very bright and intense ruby colour and a complex, variegated bouquet, with notes of sour cherries but also balsamic and faintly smoky hints, against a background of tobacco and freshly-mown hay. The flavour is frank and just a little edgy, thanks to acidity that initially makes it a bit intractable, but then allows it to age very well indeed. Its tannins are evident without being aggressive, and the finish is subtle and extremely long, without any hint of bitterness. Serve it at 20°C, matching it preferably with a grilled Chianina beef steak, but also with roast chicken and potatoes or roast leg of lamb.