2003 Querciabella Chianti Classico

The quintessential modern Chianti, Querciabella is made from a slightly different blend each year, always dominated by Sangiovese. In 2003, the blend is 80% Sangiovese with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The vineyards on the Querciabella estate in the heart of Chianti are all cultivated biodynamically.

Aged in a combination of new and older French barriques, Querciabella’s Chianti Classico is every bit the aristocrat. It has both power and grace, a heady scent of cherries and herbs from the Tuscan hillsides along with soft ripe tannins and a bright acidity that makes it sing with food.

Pour it for pasta e fagioli, for pastas with meat ragu, for roast pork loin or chops grilled with rosemary.

Quick swirl

Region: Tuscany

Price: About $24

Style: Concentrated and elegant

Food it goes with: Pasta e fagioli, pastas with meat ragu, roast pork loin, grilled pork chops

Where you find it: L.A. Wine Co. in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-9463; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76WINEX; the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Dave’s Liquor Store in Los Angeles, (310) 838-0823; Marina del Rey Liquor in Marina del Rey, (310) 821-3452

-- S. Irene Virbila