“Badia a Passignano” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione S. Donato in Poggio DOCG 2021

Marchesi Antinori | Tuscany
Marchesi Antinori S.p.A. | Piazza Antinori 3 | IT 50123 Firenze

09182221 · 0,75 l · 69,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

High above Sambuca Val di Pesa, just three kilometres south of the famous Tenuta Tignanello, rises the venerable Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo – a bastion of faith since the 10th century, where Giovanni Gualberto, the founder of the Vallombrosan order, once lived and died. Here, where wine of exceptional quality was already appreciated around the year 1000, only the finest Sangiovese grapes thrive on calcareous soils with clay content at an altitude of 300 metres. The historical importance of this place is documented in hundreds of volumes in the Florentine state archives – centuries of Sangiovese cultivation and rural life, preserved for eternity.

The 2021 vintage is considered one of the best in the history of Chianti Classico. September and October were at their most perfect: bright blue skies, gentle breezes, no periods of extreme heat and cooler nights, which allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The harvest began at the end of September and was completed in mid-October – grapes of a quality that left even the most experienced cellar masters in awe. After careful destemming and selection, the grapes were gently pressed. Ten days of fermentation followed by a further ten to twelve days of maceration, while gentle techniques ensured an intense extraction with supple tannins. Maturation in French and Hungarian oak barrels completed the work before the wine found its final perfection in the historic cellars of the abbey. This is Sangiovese in its purest, noblest form – a wine that rests in the medieval vaults under ancient ribbed vaults, where massive stone walls have ensured constant temperatures and humidity for centuries. Here, where the Ghirlandaio brothers created their immortal frescoes, a wine matures that epitomises the soul of Chianti Classico.

The wine glows an intense ruby red colour in the glass. A beguiling bouquet of ripe black cherries and dark forest berries unfolds on the nose, followed by elegant floral notes of violets and rose petals – violets and rose petals. This is overlaid with seductive spicy nuances: a hint of cinnamon, cloves and a fine hint of vanilla and chocolate from the oak barrel ageing. On the palate, the wine shows its most magnificent side: full-bodied and supple on the palate, with perfectly integrated, silky tannins that provide structure without dominating. The lively acidity carries a wealth of flavours – red and black fruits blend with spicy notes of white pepper and a delicate minerality that comes from the chalky soils. The final is long and expressive: memories of dark chocolate, dried herbs and an elegant smoky note linger harmoniously. SUPERIORE.DE

"The classic Gran Selezione of the Antinori family from vineyards around the Abbey of Passignano: Intriguing Sangiovese nose with aromas of red berries and flowers; finesse-rich structure, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in balance, persistent final." Vinum

"Dark, shiny, ruby-red centre with a fine rim. Dense, inviting bouquet of juicy blackberries and cherries, plus tobacco, leather and a hint of thyme. Powerful and very juicy on the palate, firm, well-integrated tannins with fresh acidity, subtle saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"A deep well of cherry, pomegranate, iron, tobacco and wild herb aromas and flavours underscore this intense red wine, while a dense layer of tannins provides grip. Lively acidity drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and herbal notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Badia a Passignano has developed well and has successfully shed its oak signature. What you get now is a beautiful mouthful of rich, ripe black fruit with background notes of green spices and smoked bacon. A hint of fragrant rose comes through beautifully after a few minutes at a certain point. Overall, this wine from San Donato in Poggio UGA offers bright and lively fruit. With its long winemaking tradition and its first production in 1988, this wine is, so to speak, the control sample against which the three new UGA expressions are measured." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 has some notes of green herbs as well as bitter cherry, orange peel and sweet vanilla. There is a hint of forest green and a balsamic note as well as spicy black pepper. On the palate, the tannins are firm, upright and assertive, but always refined. The texture and weight are beautifully soft and enveloping, and the acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness on the finish. At the moment it is still a little characterised by oak, but it is still young and needs time. A beautifully crafted wine that expresses a strong identity." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is one of the best editions of this wine I've ever tasted. Ripe blue fruit, spice, chocolate, leather and liquorice fill out the layers in a lush, full-bodied Gran Selezione. Again, the winemaking and ageing changes have resulted in a wine that combines sophistication with textural resonance. Outstanding." Vinous

"Wow. This wine shows a nice shift in character towards freshness and brightness, with lots of dried flowers and a hint of sandalwood. Medium to full body with firm, fine tannins. Energetic finish. Lots of fresh herbs and pine in the fruit at the end." James Suckling