Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva – Too Good To Be True?

The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva, a combination of factors make this wine seem almost too good to be true!

100% Sangiovese from Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy.

The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva is available exclusively at Costco for just $8.69. Imported by Mack & Schuhle Inc.

From the bottle:

The Sangiovese grapes for this wine are grown in the majestic slopes of the Chianti Classico region, created exclusively together with the winemaking team of Villa Cafaggio Estate. This wine has aged for approximately 24 months in oak barrels and an additional three months in the bottle, the resulting wine is an intense dark red. The nose carries firm aromas of ripe fruit, wild herb and cola with black currant undertones. It boasts deeply concentrated Morello cherry flavors on the palate, rich and strong, which linger on and on.

13% Alcohol

A Chianti Classico Riserva with a Costco label? Could this be a match made in heaven or a nightmare waiting to happen? As we’ve mentioned many times in the past, Chianti is confusing, but we found several promising signs about this bottle before we even tasted it.

1. The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva comes from the Chianti Classico subzone within the larger Chianti region. To carry this designation it must not only come from this region, which is generally thought to produce better wines, but also meet more stringent production standards.
2. This is a Riserva wine, which means the best grapes were chosen for production and the wine undergoes more oak aging than a standard Chianti Classico wine.
3. Costco does not, of course, make their own wine. They contract with wineries to produce wine under the Kirkland Signature label. The label reveals that this particular wine was produced by Villa Cafaggio, who also produced The Best $10 Chianti Classico We’ve Ever Tasted.
4. The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva only costs $8.69!! Let me say that again — this is a Chianti Classico Riserva from a very reputable producer for just $8.69. Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Let’s find out if it is.

The 2012 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva begins with the classic Chianti aromas of sour black cherry, earth, a bit of spice, licorice and even a little mint. Tasting reveals good acidity, good fruit and good spice which all add up to a very good, very drinkable wine that you’ll want to have on hand to pair with pizza or other Italian foods. (At this price, it’s a no-brainer!) The wine ends dry and a bit grippy with good persistence. It doesn’t quite hit Bulk Buy territory but this is an extremely solid wine at this price.

Find all of our recommended wines from Costco as well as tips and tricks for shopping the wine department here.