PREMIUM SALE | Chianti Classico

Volpaia's flagship Il Puro shows beautiful fruit, elegance and a certain austerity that are indicative of this balanced vintage. The texture of the wine is dense and voluptuous and there is dark, plummy fruit, leather and cloves that meld into a wonderful drinking flow. Oak spice, tar and campfire ash on the long and rich finish. Only 2,000 bottles exist of this profound archetype of a Sangiovese that could hardly be better. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Opens finely fragrant in the nose, of juicy cherries, wild berries, underlaid with dried rose hips, delicately of dried tomatoes, multilayered and inviting. On the palate it is powerful and clear, opens up juicy and salty, with a great tension; long finish with a noble finish." Falstaff

"Made from a single vineyard that’s planted with 25 native Sangiovese clones rescued from former sharecroppers’ plots, this has an appealing bouquet that mixes whiffs of herbs with earthy blackberries and roasted coffee. Ripe acidity and fine-grained tannins support a palate loaded with mellow dark cherries, while nuances of toasted oak and undergrowth complicate the ample and poised finish." Decanter

"The Volpaia 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Casanova Il Puro is an organic wine in a pretty bottle with a red wax seal. The fruit is soft and round in this vintage with plenty of cherry, dried raspberry, spice and sweet leather. It boasts a full-bodied texture but ends on a silky note." Wine Advocate

"Intense notes of cedar, cocoa, violets and tobacco, combined with tangy lemon, wild strawberry and cranberry. Sharp and precise with medium to full body and tight tannins. Intense. From organically grown grapes. Needs a couple of years to integrate." James Suckling

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 100% Sangiovese, the grapes come from vineyards with the best sites. The Gran Selezione with its dark ruby red colour is impressive in the glass. The nose is explosive with small ripe berries, hints of rose petals, lavender and thyme. Warm and full on the palate, spicy and very authentic. This wine is reminiscent of the Greve in Chianti sub-region with cool afternoon winds blowing over wild and largely wooded areas. This is what Tuscany tastes like! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of dried cherries and tomatoes, seems a bit restrained. On the palate much accentuated acidity, shows fresh, crisp cherry fruit, some rough tannin." Falstaff

"Approachable for its fluid texture, this red is austere in flavor, displaying cherry, almond and tobacco flavors. Firm, with fine length and a resonant, racy finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral on the nose with lavender and lilacs, as well as black cherries. Medium-bodied with tight tannins and tangy acidity. Flavorful finish. It’s linear, driven and lightly chewy. Very typical." James Suckling

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is positively stellar. Cedar, rose petal, pipe tobacco, anise, blood orange and new leather give the 2017 striking aromatic presence to balance the natural richness of the year. Statuesque and resonant in the glass, the Gran Selezione is a real standout - a true winner." Vinous

Sparkling ruby red colour. Complex and enveloping bouquet of rich cherry, black forest berries, violets, tobacco, tar, liquorice, incense and smoke in the background. The single-vineyard Chianti Classico San Marcellino has an excellent structure, interwoven with lively, elegant tannins, exemplary harmony and a savoury, slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark ruby. I can see the vintage with the oak having a bigger impact on the elegant fruit than is normally the case. That is not to say there isn’t plenty of concentrated black fruit contoured by savoury oak and a touch of undergrowth with just a hint of tar. Long, tangy and generous, with fine, sandpapery tannins. Elegant yet with plenty of stuffing, and ready now." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2018 is outstanding. Silky and medium-bodied, the 2018 is a wine with more finesse than power. Dark fruit, coffee, lavender, liquorice, dried herbs and a hint of new oak adorn this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Gran Selezione. The San Marcellino 2018 is a wine of restraint and understatement." Vinous

"Packed with red berry fruit, sweet spices and mint. Quite full and powerful on the palate and richer than most other 2018s we've tasted." Decanter

"A rich, juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and earth. Pure, with lively acidity and refined tannins to support it. Balanced and long, with a mineral note on the finish. Sangiovese and Pugnitello." Wine Spectator

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Badiòla is the historic name of a vineyard in the municipality of Radda, whose grapes have been vinified separately as Gran Selezione by the Mazzei family since the 2017 vintage. Bright ruby, a restrained but clear nose of wild berries, blue flowers, undergrowth, and hints of dark pepper. On the palate, Badiòla is masterfully balanced, almost weightless. The very well integrated tannin makes it seem supple from the first to the last glass and impresses with a long finish - its elegance is great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Homely bouquet of wild berries, spices and tobacco; harmonious on the palate, fine-grained tannins, accentuated acidity, stylish finish on notes of maraschino cherries and pepper." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. The most compact of the winery's three Gran Selezioni. Elegant, soft fruit that is less baroque than elegant. Long, tangy finish of raspberries and cherries with supple but long tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A juicy and ripe wine with freshness and brightness for the Radda zone in Chianti Classico. Medium-bodied. Spicy. Orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Badiòla is a refined and elegant wine with precise aromas of cherry, blackberry, spice, earth and pressed violet. The six-hectare site consists of a mixture of slate Galestro soils and sandstone. The mineral signature is beautiful in this wine." Wine Advocate

"The great Gran Selezione of Mazzei, from three different Sangiovese clones and a mass selection. A wine of great gustatory-olfactory impact, with notes of berry jam, wild mint and gardenia, with iodine sensations. Iodine on the palate too, with a fruity-floral return and flavourful compactness." Luca Gardini

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 at a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay under the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is the most immediately and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity-smoky bouquet. On the palate then dark, violet fruits, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a nice spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure a very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from river alluvial soils at 320 metres above sea level: multi-faceted bouquet with subtle mineral notes, lots of polish and yet also character; compact texture, tannins and acidity well balanced, elegant and youthful finish. Can mature." Vinum

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of raspberry, some strawberry, underlaid with fine spices in the background, multilayered. Intense fresh fruit on the palate, unfolds with polished tannin in many layers, long and deep, slightly smoky notes on the final." Falstaff

"Linear and compact, offering a core of cherry and strawberry singed by iron, tobacco and oak spice flavors. There's intensity to this, combined with a firm structure and balanced in a tightly wound package, showing excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone emerges from a parcel on marine soils that naturally yield a bright, taut expression of Sangiovese. Sweet red berry fruit, flowers, chalk, mint and blood orange bring out the more lifted, red-toned expression of Sangiovese. The Roncicone is another very pretty wine in this range from Brolio." Vinous

"Aromas of minerals, crushed stones and cherries. Pine needles, too. Floral. Full-to medium-bodied with a tight, linear palate and super fine tannins. Extremely deep. Fresh. Light saltiness. Give this three or four years to open." James Suckling

Chianti Classico La Casuccia from a single vineyard of the same name with Gran-Selezione status combines in its typical way exemplary excellent structure with highest elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Cool, exciting nose, opened with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cloves, some cardamom, then full of blackberry and dark cherries. Round and extremely supple at the base and in the course, it blooms beautifully, opens with fine, elegant tannins, rich draught, lots of dark berry fruit, very long aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is opulent and voluptuous with thick lines of dark fruit and spice that characterize the bouquet. More than heft and power, this wine delivers excellent complexity with layers of black truffle, grilled herb and cherry cola that add vertical lift." Wine Advocate

"A wine of pure femininity and grace, the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is wonderfully fleshy and radiant in the glass. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and spices meld together as this effortless, supple wine shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around a super-expressive finish laced with knock-out aromatics. The 2011 is firing on all cylinders today." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and modern, pure and expressive, with violet, black currant, cherry and spice flavors that ride the racy profile and dense tannic structure to a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"Amazing aromas of crushed dark fruits with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dried flowers and violets too, plus tanned leather. Full body, ultra-fine yet dense tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning texture. One of the greatest Chianti Classicos ever made." James Suckling

The grapes for Gaglioles Riserva come from vineyards in Panzano that used to belong to Le Cinciole and neighbouring Gagliole. Dark and full-bodied in the glass, it shows the full range of the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano, but does so in a pleasantly restrained style that is typical of the elegant 2019. Currently still very young, in a few years it will be much more enjoyable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Harmony and depth in this version that bears the ancient name of this beautiful farm. Complex nose, blackberries and blueberries together with mentholated touches and floral nuances, of carnation, dense and taut mouth, savory tannins, juicy finish, with mentholated-floral return." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of roses and other flowers, together with fresh cherries and lemon rind, following through to a medium body with freshness and vivid intensity to the finish. Spicy at the end." James Suckling

"Only in its second vintage, the certified organic Gagliole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva addresses the need for a category that sits between the entry-level reds and the high-end Gran Selezione wines. Fruit is sourced exclusively from Panzano for an intense ruby color shaded by elegant darkness. Aromas recall blackberry, graphite, flint and white pepper. This wine prizes freshness, a streamlined mouthfeel and those pretty mineral notes that drive a very long and polished finish." Wine Advocate

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Very intense and complex nose, of violets, rose petals and sour cherry, also nice blackberry. Juicy in attack and course, opens with precise, very well placed tannin, long and deep, still has a long life ahead of it." Falstaff

"All about elegance, this fragrant red opens with aromas of cedar, dark spice, coffee bean and blue flower. Linear and polished, the palate is still rather youthfully austere, featuring juicy black cherry, cassis and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A very polished and refined bottle with creamy, velvety tannins that are poised and fine. Medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a flavorful finish. Try after 2022 and onwards." James Suckling

"This is packed with succulent blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, aligned with a base of burly tannins. Fresh and vigorous, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia offers ample volume and fruit weight, but it holds back slightly on the mid-palate. The 2018 vintage tends to deliver all of its brooding intensity up front, leaving you with plenty of black fruit, spice and tobacco to fuel a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time." Vinous

Sergio's father Italo Zingarelli was a highly innovative film producer who brought Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, among others, to the screen with his film "They call me Trinity/Lo Chiamavano Trinità" in December 1970, setting a milestone in Italian cinema history.

In honour of him and the film classic, his children Fabio, Sandra and Sergio have vinified a 100% Sangiovese, which is exclusively bottled in magnums with a manageable 600 bottles on the world market. This outstanding Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from the top year 2016 will only be available for one vintage. It represents the completion of a journey that began 50 years ago when Italo (a Roman by birth) fell in love with the hills of Castellina in Chianti. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderful aromas of plums, sour cherry, lavender, and sliced orange follow through to a full body with dense and firm tannins that are beautifully integrated into the wine. It’s so long and focused. Such finesse with structure. Balanced and attractive. Drinkable but better in three to four years. Try after 2023." James Suckling

Chianti Classico La Casuccia from a single vineyard of the same name with Gran-Selezione status combines in its typical way exemplary excellent structure with highest elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Cool, exciting nose, opened with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cloves, some cardamom, then full of blackberry and dark cherries. Round and extremely supple at the base and in the course, it blooms beautifully, opens with fine, elegant tannins, rich draught, lots of dark berry fruit, very long aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is opulent and voluptuous with thick lines of dark fruit and spice that characterize the bouquet. More than heft and power, this wine delivers excellent complexity with layers of black truffle, grilled herb and cherry cola that add vertical lift." Wine Advocate

"A wine of pure femininity and grace, the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is wonderfully fleshy and radiant in the glass. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and spices meld together as this effortless, supple wine shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around a super-expressive finish laced with knock-out aromatics. The 2011 is firing on all cylinders today." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and modern, pure and expressive, with violet, black currant, cherry and spice flavors that ride the racy profile and dense tannic structure to a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"Amazing aromas of crushed dark fruits with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dried flowers and violets too, plus tanned leather. Full body, ultra-fine yet dense tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning texture. One of the greatest Chianti Classicos ever made." James Suckling

The 2011 edition of the Gran Selezione from the Bellavista vineyard is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Full, dark ruby, light violet shimmer. Opened in the nose with fine spicy notes, to sandalwood, some vanilla, then full of plums. In the beginning much present fruit, opens with dense, hearty tannin, discreet earthy notes, in the finale long reverberation, fine and elegant." Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista opens to dark concentration, bold intensity and an immediate delivery of ripe fruit flavors. Stylistically speaking, this single-vineyard Grand Selezione is extracted, muscular and extremely fruit forward. The heat of the 2011 vintage comes through loud and clear. Happily, the mouthfeel is tighter and more focused with dusty minerality on the tannins and long persistency." Wine Advocate

"Ama's 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows the darker, more brooding style of Sangiovese at Ama. Graphite, smoke, tar, licorice, incense and cloves wrap around a core of dark fruit. A wine of gravitas and vertical structure, the 2011 will reward several decades of cellaring. This is an unusually stern wine for the vintage though. Readers will have to be patient to experience the Bellavista at its best. Still, I can't help notice how much the 2011 has grown in bottle over the last year." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and elegant, with black cherry, black currant, violet and boysenberry flavors allied to a sleek frame. Dense and weightless at once, with a lingering aftertaste of tobacco and tea. Presents a fine balance and aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A fresh and layered red with blackberry, blueberry and mint character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Minerally." James Suckling

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

CeniPrimo is a single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse of the three single vineyard Gran Selezione.

Intense, fresh and bright bouquet of violets and wild spicy notes. In the drink, an elegant acidity and fine mineral slate traces. Cherry, blackberry, plum, white pepper and a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex, concentrated red wine with seductive aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, violets, minerals and spices. Dry and powerful, with a firm, mineral finish. It shows good balance and a long-lasting aftertaste, combining the fruity, mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Straightforward fruit and floral aromas, then subtle spice too; the tannins powdery, well underpinned by the acidity, the finish on notes of sun-ripened berries. Pleases with its verve." Vinum

"The CeniPrimo, the lowest of Ricasoli's three crus, comes from a site 300 metres above sea level in the Arbia Valley on river soils. As a result, it is darker and earthier compared to the other two crus, grippier and also with an amazing acidity. There is a hint of creaminess in the background, with notes of earth, pepper and wood. It's very tasty and vertical, with balsamic freshness and beautiful purity, but definitely needs more time to show its best side." Decanter

"The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo opens with a medium-dark, saturated appearance and a slightly more concentrated feel, with aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberries, spices and sweet earth. Thanks to the lower-lying vineyards and silty riverbed soils, this wine is a little fruitier and richer in texture. However, this wine also offers a touch of lively freshness on the finish, and that makes a big difference in a warm vintage like this. It remains very balanced throughout." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of firm-to-the-bite cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, like red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open-grained tannins that cling like cashmere. Powerful, fresh and lively. Give this wine three to five years to develop." James Suckling