Pepoli Chianti Classico 2020

"This is a fun, easy-drinking red with a steady following. The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Chianti Classico Pèppoli marks the beginning of a new chapter for this popular bottle. Feeling that the wine had become too austere in recent years, the winemaking team opted for bigger oak barrels for less invasive oak. Fruit is selected from across various villages in the appellation. A tiny element of Merlot in this Sangiovese-based wine adds softness. These are logical choices that follow recent vintage trends, and here you get ripe cherry, crème de cassis and lightly toasted spice. It's a classic package and a good value."

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Peppoli has a lovely bouquet of sweet red and blue berries, purple flowers, and white pepper. This moves seamlessly to the palate, which has a medium frame, generous and rounded red raspberry fruit, fine tannins, and warming cedar. It is wonderfully approachable and refined now or drink 2023-2030."

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Pèppoli is a very pretty, silky wine with lovely bright red berry fruit. Hints of spice, leather and tobacco lend nuance to this attractive, value-priced Chianti Classico. The 2020 is a serious wine in its peer group. Impressive."

"A lithe, focused red, revealing cherry, strawberry and smoke flavors. This finishes on the crisp side, yet stays balanced. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now. 18,000 cases imported."