A combination of factors make this wine seem almost too good to be true, the Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva from Costco.
[UPDATE March 2023: Below is a review of the 2019 vintage of this wine. After tasting the just released 2020 vintage of this normally very reliable Chianti, we CANNOT recommend it as the Taste Rating has fallen dramatically. We're hoping all will be back to normal with the 2021 vintage.]
Sangiovese from Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy.
The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva is available exclusively at Costco for just $8.99 (up $1 from the 2019 vintage). It is imported by Ethica Wines.
The grapes for the Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico are grown on the rolling slopes within the Chianti Classico region. Created by the winemaking team of Villa Cafaggio Estate, Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico has aged for a minimum of 24 months of which at least 3 months in bottle. The resulting wine has an intense dark color with aromas of ripe fruit and wild herb. The palate boasts deep Morello cherries with blackcurrant undertones.
13.5% 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 can be confusing, but when we first spotted this bottle several vintages ago, we found several promising signs before we ever even tasted it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva only costs around $8-$9!! (The price fluctuates by vintage.) Let me say that again -- this is a Chianti Classico Riserva from a very reputable producer for just $8.99. Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Let's find out if it is.
The 2019 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.
Smooth and pleasing in the mouth, while still retaining that rustic Chianti character, this is a great example of variety. Tasting reveals similar flavors to the nose plus 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 and lingering tart, juicy fruit notes. This is a great value once again.
We've reviewed this wine a number of times in the past and it is always right on the edge of Bulk Buy territory. With the price increase to $8.99 this year, it doesn't quite make it there but it is still a tremendous value.
2019 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Riserva
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And here's our review of the previous vintage, the 2018, in case you still have a few bottles floating around. The price last year was $7.99, which helps its Cost Rating.
The 2018 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 similar flavors to the nose plus 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 and lingering tart, juicy fruit notes. This is a great value once again.
We've reviewed this wine a number of times in the past and it was always right on the edge of Bulk Buy territory as it was priced at $8.99. With the last couple vintages the price has dropped and stayed at $7.99 which based on our rating scale bumps this one up to a true Bulk Buy!
