La Massa Chianti Classico

[Innkeeper]

1998 La Massa, Chianti Classico ($18.00 Convito Italiano). Have to admit this is the first Chianti we have had in a long, long time. It is also the most expensive one we've ever bought by about 3X. The folks at CI gently convinced us to add it to our stash when we were out there in February. Glad they did.

Starts you out with luxurious deep ruby red color. On the nose you get overripe strawberries, spice, and black pepper. More ripe and complex fruit upfront, followed by full body (13.5 %) spicy and earthy (real earthy) flavor, and rich acidiy with nicely polished tannin across the palate, and a long, long finish. Matched wonderfully with veal scaloppine, steamed spinach, and cherry tomatoes vinaigrette. The last sip of wine washed smartly with last of the tomatoes.

If there are more of you still suffering from the "bottle in a basket" image of Chianti, as we kinda were, get over it.