“Aluigi” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021 (BIO)

Podere Le Cinciole | Tuscany
Le Cinciole Soc. Semplice Agr. | Via Case Sparse 83 | IT 50022 Panzano in Chianti

29043021 · 0,75 l · 61,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Aluigi bears a dedication in its name: "a Luigi", for the man who, according to the winery itself, "made our life's project possible". Behind the understated "Gran Selezione" classification lies a personal gesture – the estate's most serious Sangiovese, named after a person rather than a vineyard site or a theme. The grapes come from the most rigorous selection of the oldest vines on a single plot, Vigna Campo ai Peri, south-east-facing at around 440 metres, overlooking the Lamole valley. Here, the schist-and-clay Galestro soil overlying Pietraforte rock has a noticeably higher clay content than in the estate's other vineyards. A single-varietal Sangiovese, organically farmed, with only around 5,000 bottles produced each year.

The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with the wine's own yeasts in concrete vats; the maceration period is carefully extended to 25 to 30 days in order to develop a refined tannin structure without any harsh bitterness. During ageing, the winery deliberately avoids using small barriques made of new oak, which would stifle the Sangiovese: Aluigi is aged for at least 24 months in traditional 20- to 25-hectolitre French oak barrels, followed by a resting period of several months in concrete vats and a period of bottle ageing that far exceeds the statutory minimum for Gran Selezione. Here, the wood serves exclusively as an oxygen catalyst, never as a vehicle for aromas.

A deep, sparkling ruby red with a delicate garnet rim, possessing an almost Burgundian elegance in its lustre. The bouquet needs to breathe, then rewards patience with a crisp, vertical structure: archetypal sour cherry, blood orange zest, rosehip and dried pomegranate, with the full spectrum of Panzano's terroir behind it – dried rosemary, thyme, black truffle, damp limestone after a summer's rain, undergrowth, a hint of white pepper and pipe tobacco. The initial taste is razor-sharp and vibrant; the tannins are chalky, fine-grained and tightly woven, with an aristocratic grip that coats the palate without drying it out – light-footed in its movement, yet powerful in its intensity. The finish lingers with salty minerality, tart sour cherry stones, crushed slate and a seemingly endless, herbally spicy freshness.

The Gran Selezione category is often misunderstood as meaning "more oak, more extract, more alcohol". Aluigi is the antithesis of this: a bone-dry, austere, uncompromising Sangiovese that brings the cool nobility of the Alberese limestone to the glass without any oenological filters. Anyone opening a bottle now will need a decanter and plenty of patience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lively and precise, with aromas of sour cherries, red plums, dried flowers and citrus peel. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely structured, with crisp acidity and dusty tannins. Clear and concentrated throughout, with a spicy and tangy finish. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink now or lay down." James Suckling

"Here is a superb wine from Le Cinciole. The organically grown 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Aluigi Campo ai Peri is well-balanced and lively, captivating with its lovely purity of fruit and intensity. The wine initially reveals aromas of tart cherries, blue flowers and crushed minerals, reminiscent of galestro-rich soils. A second wave of aromas brings spicy tobacco and spices to the fore. The mouthfeel is velvety and long-lasting." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Aluigi Campo ai Peri is yet another breathtaking wine from Le Cinciole. In the glass, it is multi-faceted and lively, with a captivating energy – the Aluigi is positively bursting with excitement. Aromas of crushed blossoms, mint, blood orange, rose petals and spices pour from the glass. I particularly admire its vertical energy and explosive personality. The 2021 was aged for two years in oak and one year in a concrete tank before bottling. What a wine!" Vinous

"Gorgeous scents evoke wild yellow broom, liquorice, lavender and orange zest. A fascinating labyrinth weaves through layers of pomegranate and cherries, showing fantastic structural precision. Stony tannins are tight-knit, hooking the palate confidently. Mouth-cleansing with lasting vibrancy, this is a must-buy for the cellar." Decanter