Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 Review

Takeaway

A bold cherry and herb driven Chianti Classico that stays balanced, opens up beautifully, and is easy to share without spending a lot.

First Thought

This week’s bottle came from Aaron, who set out on a mission to find the best rated wine at the lowest price. That hunt led him to the 2021 Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico Riserva, a twenty five dollar bottle that earned a ninety five point score from James Suckling. The group was curious whether that high rating matched what was in the glass, especially since all three hosts already love Chianti Classico and have had great experiences with it on past episodes. They also remembered trying a different Renieri wine years ago during the early pizza wine days, so this felt like a return to a familiar producer. Expectations were high, but the goal was simple. Pour it, let it open, and see if a great value find really lived up to the hype.

Tasting NOtes

Right from the first swirl, the aroma was classic Sangiovese. Fresh cherry led the way, joined by bright Italian herbs and a clear touch of oak. The nose felt expressive and complex without being heavy. As it opened, the aromas became more balanced and even more welcoming. Nothing about it smelled artificial or overly manipulated.

On the palate the herbs came forward even more than the fruit at first, with the cherry showing up fresher and less candied than expected. Raspberry appeared too, giving the fruit profile a little extra lift. The texture sat in that comfortable medium to full space, with tannins that were present and confident without overwhelming the sip. The wine lingered nicely, though Joel picked up more alcohol on the finish than flavor, while Colin noticed baking spice that carried through after swallowing. As the bottle opened, everything evened out and the fruit and herbs worked together with much more harmony.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Cherry
• Italian herbs
• Raspberry
• Oak influence
• Firm tannins
• Baking spice finish

Highlights

Why It Is Special
This bottle shows the essential character of Chianti Classico with clear cherry fruit, herbal depth, and balanced structure. It hits the profile the region is known for without feeling fussy or inflated.

When to Pour It
Bring it to a dinner, have it with friends, or use it as a great example of what Chianti Classico is supposed to taste like. It is approachable, expressive, and easy to share.

Decanting Tip
Give it at least twenty minutes of air. The hosts all noticed the wine arrived punchier at first, then softened into a smoother, more balanced pour as it opened. It only gets better with time.

Final Verdict

Joel: A Must Share. He thought the wine was balanced, flavorful, and consistent with what he expects from the region. It did not reinvent anything, but it delivered quality, complexity, and enjoyment from start to finish. The only drawback for him was a finish that leaned a bit toward alcohol, but even that softened with air.

Colin: A Must Share. He agreed that this represents the Chianti Classico profile extremely well. The wine improved as it opened, becoming rounder and more cohesive. It was not the best bottle he has had, but he would happily pour it for friends as an example of good Sangiovese.

Aaron:  A Must Share. He enjoyed the flavor, balance, and structure and felt it expressed the region accurately. While it will not make his wine fridge, he would serve it anytime he wants a dependable Chianti Classico that guests will enjoy. He also noted that the ninety five point rating may feel high for the experience, but the wine itself remains a clear win for the price.

Group Consensus
A strong value and a reliable example of Chianti Classico that everyone agreed is worth sharing, enjoyable to drink, and easy to recommend.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!