#5 on Hi-Time's Top Italian Wines of 2024
Tuscany's Chianti Classicos offer some of Italy's best value for bold, earthy reds with vivacious mouthfeels, and this Gran Selezione bottling from Rocca di Montegrossi is one of the benchmarks! It comes from the town of Monti in the region's warmer south, on land that's been owned by the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family since the 8th century A.D.! Made from older vines in their organically farmed San Marcellino vineyard, their Gran Selezione approaches the style of Brunello in its power and structure. It includes a dollop of Pugnitello, a rare native variety that complements the dominant Sangiovese with its earthy, dark-fruited character.
With the long and balanced 2019 growing season, the classic, warmly toned aromas of iron-rich earth, leather, cured tobacco, orange peel and soft Amarena cherry are awash in fresh, 'energetic' accents of purple flowers, crunchy-ripe dark berries and a mouthwatering crushed rock minerality. The wine is aged for nearly 2-½ years in a combination of small and large French oak barrels, which rounds the edges, and contributes notes of woodsy spices. Give it time in the glass to really show its stuff, and pair it with dishes like citrusy braised pork or a hearty stew with roasted lemon.
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Violet, black currant and black cherry aromas and flavors are at the heart of this supple and energetic yet elegant red. Vibrant and linear, with a firm line of tannins and terrific length on the iron-tinged finish. Ends with fruit, mineral and spice notes, showing solid grip. Sangiovese and Pugnitello."
87% Sangiovese & 13% Pugnitello
Tuscany's Chianti Classicos offer some of Italy's best value for bold, earthy reds with vivacious mouthfeels, and this Gran Selezione bottling from Rocca di Montegrossi is one of the benchmarks! It comes from the town of Monti in the region's warmer south, on land that's been owned by the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family since the 8th century A.D.! Made from older vines in their organically farmed San Marcellino vineyard, their Gran Selezione approaches the style of Brunello in its power and structure. It includes a dollop of Pugnitello, a rare native variety that complements the dominant Sangiovese with its earthy, dark-fruited character.
With the long and balanced 2019 growing season, the classic, warmly toned aromas of iron-rich earth, leather, cured tobacco, orange peel and soft Amarena cherry are awash in fresh, 'energetic' accents of purple flowers, crunchy-ripe dark berries and a mouthwatering crushed rock minerality. The wine is aged for nearly 2-½ years in a combination of small and large French oak barrels, which rounds the edges, and contributes notes of woodsy spices. Give it time in the glass to really show its stuff, and pair it with dishes like citrusy braised pork or a hearty stew with roasted lemon.
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS - "Violet, black currant and black cherry aromas and flavors are at the heart of this supple and energetic yet elegant red. Vibrant and linear, with a firm line of tannins and terrific length on the iron-tinged finish. Ends with fruit, mineral and spice notes, showing solid grip. Sangiovese and Pugnitello."
87% Sangiovese & 13% Pugnitello
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