Tuscany's Chianti Classicos offer some of Italy's best value for bold, earthy reds with vivacious mouthfeels, and this Gran Selezione bottling from Rocca di Montegrossi is one of the benchmarks! It comes from the town of Monti in the region's warmer south, on land that's been owned by the Ricasoli-Firidolfi family since the 8th century A.D.! Made from older vines in their organically farmed San Marcellino vineyard, their Gran Selezione approaches the style of Brunello in its power and structure. It includes a dollop of Pugnitello, a rare native variety that complements the dominant Sangiovese with its earthy, dark-fruited character.
ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS 96 POINTS - "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."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Marcellino is made from 88% Sangiovese and the balance Pugnitello, which contributes richness to the blend. Pugnitello, meaning fist, refers to the compact size of the grape clusters, which have thick skins, give good extract of color, and are the last harvested. In the glass, the wine pours a deep yet bright red hue, while aromas of ripe cherry, resinous herbs, pine, and gravelly earth lead into a full-bodied palate with a firm backbone of acidity, rich tannins, and savory depth. Structured and persistent, it shows both power and freshness (hallmarks of the estate), with a long, mineral-driven finish." Audrey Frick 87% Sangiovese & 13% Pugnitello
ANTONIO GALLONI, VINOUS 96 POINTS - "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."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Marcellino is made from 88% Sangiovese and the balance Pugnitello, which contributes richness to the blend. Pugnitello, meaning fist, refers to the compact size of the grape clusters, which have thick skins, give good extract of color, and are the last harvested. In the glass, the wine pours a deep yet bright red hue, while aromas of ripe cherry, resinous herbs, pine, and gravelly earth lead into a full-bodied palate with a firm backbone of acidity, rich tannins, and savory depth. Structured and persistent, it shows both power and freshness (hallmarks of the estate), with a long, mineral-driven finish." Audrey Frick 87% Sangiovese & 13% Pugnitello
