“Il Poggio” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021

Castello di Monsanto | Tuscany
Fatt. Monsanto di Bianchi Fabrizio S.a.r.l. | Via Monsanto 8 | IT 50028 Barberino Tavernelle

29162121 · 0,75 l · 92,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

In 1961, Aldo Bianchi bought the dilapidated Castello di Monsanto. His son Fabrizio looked out over the landscape from the hill known as Il Poggio – the highest point on the estate: San Gimignano to the west, the Apuan Alps to the north, and Monte Amiata to the south. What he saw was more than just a view. He saw a vineyard that had something unique to express. In 1962, he had the grapes from Il Poggio vinified and bottled separately – for the first time in the history of Chianti Classico. A single-vineyard cru, inspired by Burgundy's Premiers Crus, in a region that at the time did not even have its own appellation. The decision changed Chianti Classico forever. Today, after more than six decades of uninterrupted production, Il Poggio is one of those wines whose name needs no further explanation. The vineyard lies at an altitude of 300 metres; the soils, composed of galestro and calcareous marl, give the Sangiovese a mineral structure that is not found in other vineyards.

2021 was a year of exceptional elegance in Chianti Classico: cooler temperatures in September, marked temperature fluctuations, slow ripening. The Il Poggio 2021 embodies this in every aspect: an intense, luminous ruby red. On the nose, cherry, marasca, violet, rose, a hint of liquorice and dried herbs – precise, complex, with a purity that betrays the Galestro soil. On the palate, it is both elegant and powerful, with the finest tannins, lively, supportive acidity and a final of extraordinary length. SUPERIORE.DE

"A transparent, luminous ruby red. Delicate aromas of spices and red fruits, particularly blood orange, redcurrant and dried red pepper. On the palate, it is delicate, with fruit and silky tannins carrying through to the well-balanced finish." Falstaff

"The Castello di Monsanto 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Donato in Poggio Vigneto Il Poggio displays notes of dark cherries and plums, richly enveloped by spices, baked plums and darker tones. Smoke and barbecue spices lend it additional depth, yet the Sangiovese's freshness and core of dark cherries remain intact." Wine Advocate

"Sometimes words cannot describe the balance, the ethereal magic and the nuances of a poetic sip that combines integrity, purity and heavenly drinkability. The deep-rooted history of this 72-hectare vineyard – one of the first to adopt the 'cru' concept – began in 1962 in this vineyard, set amongst the characteristic rocky terrain of the Galestro region. Now, young Giulia has joined the family estate as the third generation." Decanter

"The aromas and flavours of this red wine – cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and floral notes – are characterised by their purity and harmonise perfectly with a silky texture and an elegant profile. Hints of eucalyptus and Tuscan scrub lend it additional depth. Underneath lies a robust structure that promises good ageing potential. It offers excellent balance and a stony, mineral finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio 2021 is a worthy successor to the magical 2020 vintage. In fact, the 2020 and 2021 vintages could very well be the two best consecutive vintages Il Poggio has ever produced! Lively notes of dark red cherries, mocha, dried herbs, tobacco, cedar and leather are just some of the many aromas that unfold after a little time. Compared to the 2020, the 2021 is somewhat more classic and reserved, very much in keeping with the style of this magnificent vintage. It will be fascinating to taste both wines as they age, as they represent the pinnacle of excellence for this leading Chianti Classico estate." Vinous

"The hallowed hill of the aptly named Il Poggio rests on a rare foundation of limestone-rich sandstone known as Pietraforte, which is said to lend the wine both finesse and structure. The 2021 vintage boasts both in abundance. From a smoky veil of incense, a parade of fennel, camomile and jasmine unfolds. The suppleness of the fruit meets the firmness of the tannins, resulting in a taut overall profile. Redcurrants, rosehip tea and crushed gravel fill the mouth. The resolute, steely backbone promises longevity. Complex and multi-layered in texture with a long, mineral finish – this wine is quite simply outstanding." Decanter