“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. Shipping< 24 units available

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 not found in other vineyards.

2021 was a year of exceptional elegance in Chianti Classico: cooler temperatures in September, marked temperature fluctuations, and a slow ripening process. The Il Poggio 2021 embodies this in every aspect: an intense, luminous ruby red. On the nose, cherry, Marasca cherry, 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

"Sometimes words cannot describe the balance, the ethereal magic and the allusions 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

"Fresh and complex, with a pleasantly slight reductive character, featuring notes of raspberries, redcurrants, strawberries and cherries with pits. An almost minty depth, complemented by a hint of rhubarb. Medium-bodied, with supple, ripe and refined tannins, as well as a slightly chalky texture typical of Sangiovese grapes. A long, refreshing acidity leads into a full-bodied, youthful and energetic finish." James Suckling

"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 superb balance and a stony, mineral finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Il Poggio is a worthy follow-up to the magical 2020. In fact, the 2020 and 2021 may very well be the two finest back-to-back vintages ever for Il Poggio! Vibrant dark red cherry fruit, mocha, dried herbs, tobacco, cedar and leather are some of the many notes that open with a bit of coaxing. The 2021 is a bit more classically austere next to the 2020, very much in the style of this great vintage. It will be so fascinating to taste both wines over time, as they represent the pinnacle of excellence for this benchmark Chianti Classico estate." Vinous