The 2008 Chianti Classico Querceto is an attractive, mid-weight Chianti with plenty of bright Sangiovese red fruit and lovely overall balance. The fruit turns a touch darker and richer as the wine sits in the glass, but this remains a fresh, vinous Chianti best enjoyed in its youth. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013.
Proprietor Alessandro Francois makes a wide range of wines, but the stars are his single-vineyard bottlings. This year, the wines are more variable than in the past, but to be fair, some of the less interesting bottles are from the challenging 2005 harvest.
Importer (all wines except Cignale): Prestige Wine Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 229-0080. Importer (Cignale only): Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900