San Giorgio a Lapi, Chianti Colli Senesi, 2023
San Giorgio a Lapi, Chianti Colli Senesi, 2023
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Sangiovese, native grapes (15%)
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2029
Bright and full of ripe red cherry and wild berry fruit, with a hint of violet, this Sangiovese is fresh, lively and very easy to enjoy. A touch of spice and earth adds a bit of depth, while soft tannins and crisp acidity keep everything nicely balanced.
It’s a natural with classic Italian dishes, but just as good on its own - the kind of Chianti that’s best enjoyed with a full glass and good company.
This 2023 is drinking beautifully now whilst the primary fruit is at its peak freshness and the violet aromatics are most pronounced. Over the next year or two, the cherry fruit will integrate further with the earthy undertones, creating a more unified but slightly less exuberant wine. By 2029, the bright fruit character that defines its charm will begin to fade, though it will remain perfectly pleasant. This isn't a wine built for extended cellaring - drink it whilst it's young and singing.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby red with a youthful purple edge.
NoseRipe red cherries and wild strawberries leap from the glass, followed by a whisper of violet and freshly turned earth. There's a lovely brightness that speaks of the wine's youth and the clean Tuscan hillside air.
PalateFresh and lively with juicy red berry fruit taking centre stage, supported by gentle spice and that signature Sangiovese earthiness. The tannins are soft and approachable whilst crisp acidity keeps everything perfectly balanced and food-friendly.
FinishClean and refreshing with lingering cherry fruit and a touch of herbs.
Overall impressionThis is Chianti as it should be - pure, honest, and utterly charming.
Food Pairings
In the Colli Senesi, this would naturally appear alongside pici all'aglione, the local hand-rolled pasta with garlic and tomato sauce that lets the wine's acidity shine. Locals would also reach for it with grilled Cinta Senese pork, seasoned with rosemary and fennel pollen, or a simple bistecca alla fiorentina when feeling indulgent. The wine's bright character makes it perfect for rustic bread topped with fresh pecorino and a drizzle of local olive oil, or alongside aged sheep's cheese from the nearby hills.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C to emphasise the fresh fruit character. No need to decant - this wine is about immediate pleasure, not ceremony. Use medium-sized red wine glasses that won't overwhelm the delicate aromas. Open and pour straight away; if anything, it benefits from being served cooler rather than warmer.
The Colli Senesi sits southeast of Siena on rolling hills with mixed clay and limestone soils that provide good drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines. The altitude here ranges from 200-400 metres, giving the grapes a longer growing season and helping preserve the fresh acidity that makes this style so appealing. The climate is typically Tuscan with warm days and cool nights, perfect for maintaining Sangiovese's natural balance.
Chianti Colli Senesi is one of seven Chianti subzones, stretching southeast from Siena towards Montalcino. It's perhaps the most approachable of the Chianti areas, known for wines that are softer and more immediately charming than the structured examples from Classico. The regulations require at least 70% Sangiovese, with the remainder typically filled by native varieties like Canaiolo or international grapes like Merlot.
The 2023 vintage in Tuscany delivered precisely what nobody expected after a challenging start. Spring brought excessive rainfall that had growers fretting about disease pressure, whilst a scorching July tested even the most experienced vignerons. Yet August's return to more moderate temperatures, combined with crucial diurnal temperature swings, allowed the vines to regain their composure just when it mattered most. The harvest stretched longer than usual, with producers able to pick at optimal ripeness rather than racing against the clock.
What emerged from the cellars shows Tuscany's remarkable ability to transform adversity into opportunity. The Sangiovese displays a freshness we haven't seen in recent warm years, with that characteristic cherry brightness sitting beautifully alongside more structured tannins. Super Tuscans from the coast fared particularly well, where maritime influences helped moderate the summer extremes. These aren't blockbuster wines built for decades of cellaring, but rather Tuscan reds with an approachable charm that makes them dangerously drinkable now whilst still having the backbone to reward five to eight years of patience.
FAQs
What does this Chianti taste like?
Bright and fresh with ripe red cherry fruit, a touch of violet perfume, and soft tannins balanced by crisp acidity - classic young Sangiovese at its most charming.
When should I drink this wine?
It's perfect right now whilst the fruit is fresh and vibrant. Drink it over the next 2-3 years whilst it retains its youthful charm.
What food pairs well with this Chianti?
Brilliant with tomato-based pasta dishes, grilled meats, or aged cheese. The acidity makes it particularly good with anything featuring tomatoes or herbs.
Should I decant this wine?
No need - this is about immediate pleasure. Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C and pour straight from the bottle.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Not really. This style is designed for drinking young whilst the fresh fruit character is at its peak. Enjoy it now rather than saving it.
How does this compare to Chianti Classico?
Colli Senesi tends to be softer and more immediately approachable than Classico, with less structure but more instant charm - perfect for everyday drinking.
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