Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021 (BIO)

Casa Brancaia | Tuscany
Brancaia s.a. a r.l. | Loc. Poppi | IT 53017 Radda in Chianti

09324821 · 0,75 l · 102,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Some vineyards carry their history within them like annual rings in an old tree. Vigna 10 on the Brancaia hill near Castellina is such a place. When Brigitte and Bruno Widmer bought the abandoned estate in 1981, they immediately recognised the potential of this plot of land – a gentle south-facing slope at 230 metres, clay soils that retain water and an exposure that allows the Sangiovese to reach full maturity without overtaxing it. Eighteen years later, in 1999, the vineyard was replanted – not with just any clones, but with five of the most promising Sangiovese selections from the ambitious "Chianti Classico 2000" research project, which has been researching and preserving the genetic diversity of this grape variety since the 1980s.

The first Gran Selezione vintage 2019 marked a milestone for Brancaia: the top of the Chianti Classico pyramid, single-varietal, from a single vineyard, certified organic. The 2021 vintage continues this line. After up to eighteen days of maceration, the wine matures for eighteen months in French tonneaux, then a further three months in cement tanks, which allow it to rest without altering it. At least twelve months of bottle ageing follow – time that this wine needs and deserves.

The colour in the glass is a dense ruby red with the first garnet reflections on the rim. The nose is a multi-layered fabric: sour cherry and dark berries, followed by herbs, leather, a hint of liquorice and tobacco, fine ethereal notes reminiscent of eucalyptus. The wine literally dances on the palate – lively acidity carries a silky tannin, the structure is there, but never intrusive. The final shows all its class: long, herbaceous, with a finish that lingers for minutes. A Sangiovese that proves why this grape variety from the best vineyards in Tuscany is one of the world's great red wines. Storage potential: up to twenty-five years. Or you can open it now – with the necessary patience in a carafe – and experience a wine that combines tradition and modernity, Swiss precision and Tuscan soul in every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting bouquet of raspberries, dried flowers and herbs; stylish progression, lively acidity and well-built tannins in balance, plenty of polish and finesse right into the lingering final. A great Sangiovese that definitely needs some more ageing." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Open and multi-layered on the nose, sour cherry, plum, with ethereal hints of eucalyptus behind it. Elegant, prancing on the palate with silky tannins and medium palate pressure, some mocha retronasal, pleasant, persistent finish, has gained through some bottle ageing." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is very nicely done. It offers terrific freshness and verve, both of which work well to balance its overt fruit. Blood orange, sweet spice, cedar and crushed flowers lend notable aromatic brilliance to this inviting, mid-weight wine." Vinous

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione has a volatile character with apple skin, cherry tartlet and fresh raspberry. I am usually a fan of this punchy style, although in this case, the wine has a hard time moving beyond that rather monotone element. The tannins are firm but silky, and the wine offers a pretty dose of fresh acidity to close. The wine tastes great." Wine Advocate

"This is very typical, with sour cherry, orange peel and lightly bitter lemon with a medium body, bright acidity and a fresh and crunchy finish. Tangy at the end. Excellent tension and savory character. Needs time to soften." James Suckling