“Vigna San Marcellino” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020 (BIO)

Rocca di Montegrossi | Tuscany
Rocca di Montegrossi | Loc. Monti in Chianti | IT 53013 Gaiole in Chianti

29262220 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

The Romanesque Pieve di San Marcellino was built in the year 1000. It still stands today – in the middle of the vineyards of Rocca di Montegrossi, seven kilometres south of Gaiole, at the southern tip of the Chianti Classico. The vineyard bears its name. And the vines that surround it are older than most of the appellations that appear on labels today. Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi is a descendant of Baron Bettino Ricasoli – the "Iron Baron" who defined the formula for Chianti Classico in the 19th century. Not as a marketing idea, but as a genetic link to this soil. The vineyard has been certified organic since 2010 and has been planted with Pugnitello alongside Sangiovese since 2006 – an autochthonous Tuscan grape variety that was almost extinct in the 1980s. Pugnitello deepens the colour, thickens the structure and sharpens the profile of the Sangiovese grape. Hand-picked, separate fermentation of both varieties on wild yeasts in upright wooden tanks, 24 months in Allier barriques and tonneau, bottled unfiltered. Only produced in outstanding vintages – the 2020 is one of them.

Deep ruby red in the glass. The nose is dark and complex: liquorice, blue flowers, roasted walnuts, plum, a hint of earth. Textured and medium-bodied on the palate, with a round, silky texture that softly embeds the firm finish. Lively acidity, present but elegant tannins, long mineral finish. A wine that deserves patience – and rewards it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. The bouquet with lots of sour cherries, blood orange and peppery spice, later blackberry and undergrowth. Fine tannins on the palate with good grip and elegance. Retronasal cool cherry fruit. Medium palate pressure and long final." Falstaff

"Charismatic attack of cherries, black pepper and liquorice; the tannins are youthful, the acidity perfectly integrated, plenty of fullness and power through to the long, complex final. Always reliable." Vinum

"Dark and brooding aromas of licorice, blue flowers and toasted walnuts lead to a textured palate of plums and earth. There’s a round and silky feel on the medium-bodied palate, though a tight finish keeps it focused." James Suckling

"Supple and polished, this red cuts a wide swath on the palate, with plum, black cherry, blackberry and earth flavors. Hints of eucalyptus and leather add depth as the finish lingers and the tannins leave a moderate grip on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino is a dense, powerful wine. Black cherry, scorched earth, tobacco, licorice and incense showcase the darker, brooding side of Sangiovese. Readers will want to cellar the 2020 for at least a few years. Its relatively plush contours should start to soften by then. It's a stellar wine, one with a very bright future." Vinous