Silky, tangy, harmonious.
Gabbiano's Riserva 2018 is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot and was aged in oak casks and smaller oak barrels for 10 months, only 10% new oak. It was aged an additional 12 months in bottle before release.
Expect tangy red berry aromas lashed with leather, salted licorice, tealeaf, vanilla and there are faint floral undertones. It's silky and harmonious in the mouth and shows primary black chocolate, earth, tobacco, leather and restrained red fruit flavours. The tannins are fine and sooty.
Pair: Pizza, pasta, game meats, salami, eggplant parmigiana, grilled white meats
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 5th, 2023

Fresh, classic, typical. 2019 was considered an excellent vintage by Gabbiano, and this blend of 90% Sangiovese with 5% Merlot and 5%other shows lovely typicity. It was aged in French oak (of different sizes) and concrete tanks for 8 months.
Notes of vanilla, licorice, dried roses and wild cherries are layered with coco and sweet brown spices. Dried cherry and cocoa, leather, tealeaf and some balsamic flavours appear in the mouth. Classic freshness and chalky tannic grip.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2023 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 7th, 2023

Value, classic, supple.
This is a wonderfully priced DOCG Chianti for everyday meals of pasta, slow roasted meats or pizza.
Classic aromas of strawberry compote and cherries, saddle leather, spice box and tobacco. The palate is an echo of the nose - rustic with restrained fruit, tomato leaf, tobacco and fine spice. It has attractive suppleness and fine tannins; loads of acidity ensure its a perfect food wine.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Olive Oil & Cracked Pepper
 
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 13th, 2018

Classic, standout, harmonious.
The 2013 is a standout for the Riserva from Gabbiano. Red cherries and tealeaf, dried strawberries and fine spice aromas lead to undertones of saddle leather, cedar and fleur de sel. Classic earthy/rustic character is expressed on the palate; again tealeaf and fine spice, red cherries and cedar chip flavours rule the palate. It is a balanced and harmonious wine with great structure, and I suspect, longevity.
Pair: Pizza, pasta, game meats, salami, eggplant parmigiana, grilled white meats
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 16th, 2018

Seductive, complex, harmonious.
Another outstanding vintage of Gabbiano's Riserva, the 2015 delivers seductive aromas of cedar and dried strawberry, rose petals and licorice, vanilla liqueur and pipe tobacco. An echo of the nose, the palate has impressive complexity, wonderful extraction and a silky texture culminating in chalky tannins. Balance and harmony, it's a wine with structure and longevity.
Pair: Pizza, pasta, game meats, salami, eggplant parmigiana, grilled white meats
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Parmesan & Rosemary
 
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 5th, 2020