Country: Italy Region: Toscana
Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Grape Variety: 90% Sangiovese
7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
Alcohol: 14%
Aging: 10-20 hl French oak and barriques
Soil: Clayey rock
Altitude: 350 m.a.s.l
Training Method: Spurred cordon Aging potential: 5 to 15 years Serving Temperature: 60 - 64°F
The Grape:
The wines of Chianti are Sangiovese driven wines. The best have mouthwatering, high-wire fruit and deft, savory richness. Chianti Classico DOCG made a splash in 2014 when it introduced a unique quality level above Riserva called Gran Selezione. The new designation’s purpose was to distinguish some of the highest quality, most serious wines from the denomination and claim a secure spot in the luxury wine tier. The strategy was an earnest one and has had moderate success in elevating Chianti Classico’s reputation. The consorzio reports that 154 wineries now make at least one Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, and the designation represents 6% of the denomination’s total production.
Winemaking:
The grapes are hand harvested and selected in the vineyards. The clusters, carried in small bins, are sorted again on a sorting table before going into the de-stemmer. Maceration lasts for about 15 days, with frequent pump-over procedures, followed by délestage. Racking and malolactic fermentation ensue. 18 months in 10-20 hl French oak barrels for the Sangiovese, 18 months in barriques for the Cabernet and Merlot, 6 months in bottle.
Tasting Notes:
Bright ruby colour with purple hues. Spicy notes such as ginger, orange zest, anise and a hint of vanilla are well integrated in a wealth of black berries. Elegant, fresh and juicy palate dominated by dark cherries into a frame of round tannins. Generous finish with persistent black pepper, licorice, black fruit flavors.
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