Tasting notes:

In 1974 Giuseppe Castiglioni, an industrial entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, acquired a small estate in Ruffoli overlooking Greve-in-Chianti. Under his guidance and, since 2000 under the leadership of his son Sebastiano, Querciabella has risen to prominence as an innovative producer, among the \'greats\' of Tuscany. The Chianti Classico comes from vineyards at 350-700m altitude in Ruffoli, Lamole and Radda-in-Chianti. Medium-deep ruby-coloured, the wine has succulent red berry fruit with coffee and cedarwood accents. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh with zippy acidity and linen-textured tannins. Plenty of spice and a hint of mint add interest. The wine is a sensational partner for Verona\'s special Carnivale dish--gnocchi in a sauce of seared rump steak slices, tomatoes, onion, and red wine, seasoned with garlic, thyme and Hungarian paprika. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]