2020 Gioventu Nell' Anima Sangiovese, 1 Liter

This is 100% Sangiovese from Michael Schmelzer's Monte Bernardi estate in Panzano — one of the recognized Grand Cru sites of Chianti Classico — organically and biodynamically farmed since 2004 on rocky galestro and limestone soils at 350 meters elevation. The backstory is great: this wine was originally destined to be Chianti Classico, but the tank got skipped during inspection, so it had to be declassified to table wine — your gain. Expect dense dark fruit, leather, camphor, and an herbal, almost menthol edge with grippy tannins and bright acidity that screams for food. A liter of declassified Chianti Classico from a top Panzano site — grab a pizza, a bowl of pasta al ragù, or a board of salumi and don't overthink it.