Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico

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9 March 2026

Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico comes from an estate in Panzano in Chianti, with a documented history reaching all the way back to 1408. “Classico” matters here because it means the wine is from the original, historic Chianti zone, before the area was expanded much more widely. This is 100% Sangiovese, given 12 months of maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels, the 2023 vintage and it sits at 13.5% ABV.

In the glass it’s slightly browning. The aroma is led by sour cherry and cloves, with a light touch of oak in the background. On tasting it feels very typical of the style in a reassuring way, plum fruit up front, then savoury herbs and a subtle flicker of spice. It’s dry, medium-bodied, and the acidity is high, keeping everything energetic and mouth-watering. The finish stays lively, cherry-meets-savoury, especially good with food, because that slight savouriness. I found it even better on day two, a little more settled and together.

As I write this, it’s available from Waitrose for £25, down from £35. However, and unusually, I also spotted it at a different price on the Waitrose Cellar site for £17.

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