Kim Uncorked: Welcome to my weekly wine recommendation.
Hi, I’m Kim, a passionate lover of wine, food, and any experience that brings the two together! In this weekly blog post, I share my thoughts on a wine that I’ve recently purchased from one of our local independent wine merchants. If you’d like to know more about me, I’ve included a brief bio following the post.
2024 Pèppoli Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Everything Wine
$34.99
Various locations
I’m always on the hunt for a great pizza wine, and the 2024 Pèppoli Chianti Classico may be my new favourite pop-and-pour. Produced by the historic Marchesi Antinori estate in Tuscany, Pèppoli is an approachable, fruit-forward expression of Chianti Classico that highlights Sangiovese’s easier-drinking side. The 2024 vintage is made primarily from Sangiovese (90%), complemented by Merlot and Syrah. The two additional grapes help soften the tannins while enhancing the wine’s aromatic fruit profile.
The grape varieties are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The wine then spends nine months aging, with approximately 90% in large Slavonian oak casks and 10% in smaller American oak barrels before a final blending, followed by three months of bottle refinement. The result is a wine that balances Sangiovese’s lively acidity and savory character with a polished, approachable style.
The 2024 Pèppoli Chianti Classico shows a medium ruby colour, with aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, and violet, layered with subtle vanilla and clove spice. Medium-bodied and vibrant on the palate, you’ll find plenty of juicy red fruit, refreshing acidity and smooth, energetic tannins. A savory note emerges on the finish, adding more complexity and depth. Fresh, polished, and easy-drinking, this versatile Chianti Classico offers plenty of character for great value.
Pair Pèppoli Chianti Classico with pasta, pizza, risotto, and other tomato-based dishes.
Kim Mead is a Vancouver-based wine and food writer. She holds the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines with Merit, the French Wine Scholar designation with Honours, and Italian Wine Essentials certification. She is currently pursuing the Bordeaux Master’s program with the Wine Scholar Guild. Kim serves as Cellar Master for the Vancouver chapter of the International Wine and Food Society and is a member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux. Follow her @agalandaglass