Babo Chianti 2022

Babo Chianti is a carbonic-influenced Tuscan red that its maker describes as Beaujolais from Italy, and was among the first Chianti bottled under screwcap.

Chianti DOCG covers a wide sweep of Tuscany beyond the Classico zone, and the fruit here comes from a south-west-facing vineyard on alberese soils at Vinci, near Empoli, west of Florence. Babo is the project of winemaker Justin Bubb, who bottles the wine in a Burgundy-shaped bottle under screwcap, unusual choices for the appellation when he began. The winemaking takes two paths: one parcel is fermented as whole bunches under full carbonic maceration and raised in concrete vats for six months, while the second is destemmed and matures in concrete for eight. Neither sees oak. Blending the two keeps Sangiovese's sour-cherry tang and dried-herb savour while the carbonic portion adds lift and suppleness, which is where the Beaujolais comparison comes from.

Drink young, within three or four years, lightly chilled at 15-16°C, with pizza, salami, grilled vegetables or a bowl of ragù.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.