It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Tenuta di Nozzole makes an excellent Chianti. After all, they’ve had a long time to get it right. Grapes have been cultivated on the site of Tenuta di Nozzole’s vineyards in the Tuscan hills near Greve for more than 700 years. The estate was acquired in 1971 by the Folonari family, who have been making wine in Tuscany for eight generations. Their Riserva also benefits from the passage of time. It rests for two years in oak barrels and another three months in the bottle before being released. All that aging tames the sharp acidity often found in Chiantis, making for a more mellow wine. Made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, it offers sweet black cherry and tea aromas and flavors, with a hint of fine tannins showing up on the finish. It’s an exceptionally well-balanced red that pairs effortlessly with a wide array of favorite Italian dishes, from Bistecca alla Fiorentina to Eggplant Parmigiana.