Recommendation: Both very excellent Chianti for the price.
Winery/Producer: Caparsino: Caparsa, Italy; Pian Del Ciampolo: Montevertine; Siena Italy.
Grape Variety: Caparsino: Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Canaiolo; Plan Del Ciampolo: Sangiovese, Canailo and Colorino.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Tuscany, Italy.
Vintage: Caparsino: 2008; Plan Del Ciampolo: 2011
Price: Caparsino: $26.55; Plan Del Ciampolo: $28.80
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Store; Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Paired With: Ravioli with homemade tomato based sauce, Greek style salad.
Tasting:
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He said: Served at room temperature, opened 20 minutes before drinking. Both were dark ruby red color, but the Caparsino was quit a bit darker. Both had a red fruit aroma with hints of licorice, but the Caparsino was a little more intense. Both had a wonderful, strong mouth feel, but the Caparsino had very soft tannins and was quite a bit smoother. Both had a very dry, mouth puckering red fruit taste with hints of spice, but the Caparsino was so smooth and had notes of leather and tobacco flavors…it clearly stood out. And, both had a similar long finish with lots of delicious Chianti acidity. In fairness to the Pian Del Ciampolo it is a VERY GOOD Chianti and if we had it alone I would have raved about it and said it was excellent; however, side-by-side the Caparsino is clearly my “all-time” favorite Chianti and it’s just OUTSTANDING!!! With that said…if you like Chianti wine this is one you MUST try. I don’t get this excited about many wines, but the Caparaino is truly a MEMORABLE Chianti (and that’s the highest complement I give to wines).
She said: I cut my teeth in the 60’s at age 21 on cheap Chianti from the now defunct White Store in Southern California. I drank a lot of it with all kinds of dinners and thought it was great. Now fast forward to 10-years ago and I dreaded the nights we had Chianti. I could not understand why anyone liked the tasteless stuff. No more. Tonight we had two great Chiantis that put meaning back into the name Chianti. My favorite was the Caparsino because it was full flavored with a great bouquet as well as taste. Smooth and dry, it was medium bodied and had tannins that lasted into the long finish. The Pian Del Ciampolo is definitely a winner but was not as fragrant, flavorful or smooth when drinking side-by-side with the Caparsino. Although not in our bargain niche, the Caparsino is an especially good Chianti at this price point.
Comments: See our first tasting review of the Caparsino Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, and our Second Tasting Review.
Alcohol: Caparsino: 13.5%; Pian Del Ciampolo: 14%