Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020

Last week, I reviewed the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva.  I’ve reviewed vintages of that bottle going back to 2013, and I’ve always found them to be pretty middle of the road.

With my review of the 2020 vintage, I brought my rating down to 85 points, and several readers agreed and asked for recommendations on other low-priced Chianti.

I ventured to my local Costco with the singular goal of finding that perfect low-priced Chianti, and I think that’s exactly what I did.

This bottle from Castello Di Querceto is a DOCG is priced just a hair above $10 at $10.99.  That compares to a list price of around $18 at many outlets including Wine.com.

It also comes with high ratings across the board; Suckling went 92 points, Wine Spectator 91 points, and Robert Parker gave the bottle 88 points.

On my first taste I could tell this was a nice step up from many DOCG Chianti I’ve tasted over the years.  In the glass the wine is a medium ruby with a bit of garnet; it is medium in body, signature Chianti; Flavors of black cherry and  blackberry with leather and earth into the finish.

The wine is really nicely balanced all around, and a surprise find at such a low price.  It’s a perfect food wine for pizza night or a casual meal with friends or family.  Give this one a try.

Straight from the Bottle Rating: 90 points

Layer Cake Primitivo ’14

Ruby in color with a wide reddish/brick rim. Fruity nose of blueberries, cherries, currants, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, spices, earth, barnyard, vegetables, smoke and black pepper. Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs. Dry and fruity on the palate with black currants, black plums, oak, licorice, cloves, earth, vegetables, vinaigrette, vanilla, […]

via Layer Cake One Hundred Percent Hand Crafted Primitivo 2014 Puglia, Italy — Odedi’s Wine Reviews Blog

Tenuta Sassoregale Maremma Toscana Sangiovese DOC 2014, Italy

My Rating 80 Points. Price $15. Bright ruby in color with a wide reddish rim and medium intensity. Sour nose of raspberries, cherries, blueberries, vanilla, wood, eucalyptus, licorice, pencil lead, earth, forest floor, dirt, chocolates and peppercorn. Medium-bodied with medium plus acidity and long legs. On the palate, cherries, red currants, raspberries, pomegranates, […]

via Tenuta Sassoregale Maremma Toscana Sangiovese DOC 2014, Italy  — Odedi’s Wine Reviews Blog

Marchesi di Barolo Barbera Del Monferrato DOC 2014, Italy

My Rating 78 Points. Price $12. Dark ruby in color with medium intensity and a pink rim. Soft nose of strawberries, sour cherries, raspberries, vanilla, red currants, candy, licorice, forest floor, green vegetables, graphite, earth and black pepper. Light to medium in body with high acidity and nice legs. Tart on the attack and […]

via Marchesi di Barolo Barbera Del Monferrato DOC 2014, Italy  — Odedi’s Wine Reviews Blog

Donnafugata Anthilia Sicilia Bianco DOC 2015, Italy

My Rating 82 Points. Price $15. Pale lemon in color with a yellow tint. Gorgeous nose of white flowers, tropical fruits, kiwis, pineapples, lemons, grapefruits, minerals, green beans, green vegetables, oak, light vanilla, honeydew and white pepper. Light to medium bodied, with medium plus acidity, crisp and engaging. Tart on the attack, and dry […]

via Donnafugata Anthilia Sicilia Bianco DOC 2015, Italy  — Odedi’s Wine Reviews Blog

2006 Canonica a Cerreto Sandiavolo Toscana

A perfect blend of 34% Sangiovese, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot.  And it’s awesome for a Super Tuscans at the moment, particularly those that fall into that $20-$30 range where you can find some real gems.  A major score for $23.99.

You will get more of a Sangiovese/Chianti feel early on with this wine.  The nose and the minute you hold the glass up for a drink, you think you’re getting a good Chianti (and that’s expected, since the vineyard is in the hills surrounding Chianti Classico), but then mid-drink to finish, the flavor rounds out, a little more red cherry surfaces, and the body and finesse of the blend really take hold.

It was an exceptional wine from start to finish.  It’s drinking perfectly right now, and should mention  that it’s got a little pepper/spice throughout.  Strong buy.

Krunch Rating: 90 Points

Costco item number: 975351