Castello di Monsanto

Laura Bianchi's Monsanto Rosso is a 100% Sangiovese and comes from the vineyards in the south-western part of the estate, where Galestro (friable marl) combines with a marked concentration of tufa, a volcanic seabed that releases fossils from the Cretaceous period over time. These soils, which are particularly rich in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and limestone, give the wine greater complexity and a more characteristic flavour, beautifully articulated fruit and wonderful freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

Blackberries, raspberries, tomato leaves, lemon peel and bark on the nose. Also some tar and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chunky tannins. Beautiful character of rose petals. Fresh and mineral on the finish, very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with violet reflections. Youthful nose of raspberry, cassis and mint, with a tobacco and smoky aftertaste. Surprisingly dense on the palate with chocolaty nuances, juicy, pleasant tannins, persistent fruit." Falstaff

"Brilliant carmine red colour. Concentrated and deep cherry nose and luscious, tangy cherry palate, with a helping of firm tannins on the finish to give grip. Immediately, a little rich and delicious. Just a tiny bit of spiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Here is an easy-drinking entry-level wine from a winery that maintains a classic approach to all of its fine wines. The Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico offers very bright and vibrant fruit with forest-fresh raspberries and blueberries giving this wine a particularly charming profile. It shows a primary intensity with sweet fruit and without being affected by excessive ageing." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico 2022 is forward, juicy and very easy to like. A burst of dark red fruit, spice, cedar and leather makes a strong statement at the start. Although the 2022 doesn't offer the nuance of most vintages, it makes up for it with its charming, inviting personality." Vinous

"Ripe and juicy, this red wine begins with flavours of cherries, raspberries and flowers, underlined by iron and wild undergrowth. It firms up on the finish and shows a pleasant astringency." Wine Spectator

"The youthful violet colour suggests a healthy dash of Colorino. Deep red cherries and wild strawberries are infused with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and a distinct note of orange blossom. The palate is richly filled with tangy, tart berries infused with light, grainy tannins that add nuance to the texture. A hint of pepper and a savoury saltiness whet the appetite." Decanter

"Fresh, racy strawberries, red cherries and a hint of pastry and pomegranates on the nose. On the palate, it is firm and expressive, with beautifully chewy tannins and a medium body. Plenty of berry fruit in its elegant, long finish. Drink now or keep." James Suckling

"A cornerstone of the Classico, a label with precise and impeccable workmanship. On the nose, red mulberry, hints of rhubarb and eucalyptus, with a touch of black pepper. The mouthfeel is intense, with ionised tannins. Closes with a hint of undergrowth and balsamic notes. Great length." Luca Gardini

The vines, which are over 50 years old, are located outside the Chianti Classico appellation and were planted by Fabrizio Bianchi as a kind of "heart project" back in the 1970s. Inspired by the great white wines from Burgundy, it was initially fermented exclusively in wooden barrels. Since 2000, however, the proportion of grapes fermented in oak has steadily decreased, so that today almost 70% of the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, which gives the wine freshness and elegance.

Fine fruit, barely perceptible wood. Fresh and medium-bodied on the palate, the Burgundian character and its beautiful structure and length only emerge gradually. A finesse-rich and fruit-accentuated Chardonnay that embodies its grape variety and terroir wonderfully and never comes across as heavy or overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

Castello di Monsanto's Chianti Classico Riserva is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight. Dark cherry, plum, liquorice, spice, leather, lavender and tobacco run through this wonderfully nuanced and vibrant Riserva. It is surprisingly expressive and open even at a young age and will continue to drink well for over 15 years. Sweet floral notes extend the finish of this medium-bodied, graceful and well-structured wine. Interesting Storage potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Opens with inviting, dense cherry fruit, underpinned by juniper, clove and a subtle medicinal note. Concentrated and precise fruit core on the palate, elegant tannins and supporting acidity, juicy and persistent." Falstaff

"Concentrated medium ruby red colour. Balsamic, cherry and crushed raspberry on the nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Juicy fruit with sandy tannins on the palate. Fresh, elegant and long. Great balance and style in this not easy to handle vintage." Jancis Robinson

"A dense red wine with well-defined aromas and flavours of black cherries and blackberries, underpinned by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin. Balanced, though still tightly wound, with a lingering fruity, spicy and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"It shows a medium-dark concentration with typical flavours of wild cherry, peat moss, blue flower and light spice. This winery offers consistently well-made and convincing wines at a favourable price." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 that has just been bottled is magnificent. It offers a beguiling blend of dense fruit supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Striking aromatics, remarkable depth and exceptional balance make the Riserva a winner. This is such a great and compelling wine." Vinous

"This wine is complex and flavoursome with red and dark berries, dried orange peel, nutshells and roasted spices. Also a hint of walnut and crushed stones. Medium to full-bodied with super-polished tannins and juicy acidity. Delicious fruit character with a firm mineral backbone. Complete and concentrated." James Suckling

"Bing cherry and blood orange, floral earth, graphite and then wild herbs - especially sage - appear on the nose, before a hint of vanilla and cedar. The palate is juicy and fresh, with vanilla, chocolate and cherry, while herbs reappear on the back palate. A rare example of a wine with great refinement that is also an undeniable crowd favourite." Wine Enthusiast

"Opening slowly, this reveals strawberry blossom, coriander and hints of tobacco. The palate is remarkably perfumed, with an undercurrent of rose and pepper running through the dark brambly berries. Firmly structured, ripe tannins wield an assertive grip, and the zesty acidity has a citrussy, blood orange ring that draws out the finish. Lots of life here." Decanter

"Wild strawberries, then nuances of white pepper and eucalyptus. It is powerful on the palate, ending with a fruity-balsamic return, long flavour." Luca Gardini

Nemo is an exceptional Tuscan Cabernet: It is masculine, extremely spicy and of an impressive expressiveness. In the initially slightly reductive bouquet, a poptpourri of morello cherry, spices, liquorice, leather, tobacco and a hint of rosemary oil. The palate is punchy, complex and of a high aromatic intensity and at the same time distinctly Tuscan identity. We strongly recommend giving the wine a few hours of aeration before drinking - the alternative for the patient is to put it in the cellar and find it again in five years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Rich, tree-ripe cherries on the nose, cranberries, a dash of ink and graphite, violets. On the palate with beautiful melting and great cassis fruit, also minty components, spans a fine arch, fine afterdrying in the finish." Falstaff

"The Castello di Monsanto 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Nemo is a pretty treat. The aromas are spot on and the bouquet shows little sign of the vintage heat that proved difficult in many parts of Tuscany. Instead, this wine offers delicate tones of blue flower, black olive, spice and campfire ash. There is smoothness on the bouquet; however, the palate shows some of the tannic astringency and tightness that is characteristic of this 2017 vintage. Give it a few more years of bottle age." Wine Advocate

"The blackcurrant and vanilla character is coming through strongly here now, both on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Some bitterness at the end with the new wood. Give this time to come around." James Suckling

In 1962, Il Poggio Gran Selezione was the first Chianti Classico from the appellation to be vinified and bottled as a single-vineyard wine (Cru) - a revolution at the time!

Sparkling, rich ruby-garnet colour. The wine exudes classic aromas of dark plum, menthol and liquorice, which will develop wonderfully over time. The palate has incredible energy, tension and vibrancy. Our tip: buy it, put it in the cellar and forget about it for a decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; fruit, macchia, depth, inviting; round, sweetness, deep fruit, long, juicy, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Bright ruby red colour with light reflections. Great and inviting nose of wild strawberries, watermelon, wet stone, black bread, with a noble, light spicy note. Great fruit on the palate, paired with pleasant, present acidity, finely savoury, tightly woven tannins, with elegant pressure." Falstaff

"Il Poggio was the first Chianti Classico to be labelled a single vineyard in 1962. The 2018 vintage reveals high-toned aromas of sweet redcurrants, accompanied by a hint of lavender and laurel. It is full-bodied and youthfully gripping, with powerful tannins framing the lush raspberry and cranberry flavours and a hint of Mediterranean herbs that extend the long finish." Decanter

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a medium-bodied wine that needs a few years to mellow the tannins. In this tasting, the 2018 shows itself to be a Poggio with a convincing aromatic presence, but perhaps a little less textural breadth than in its best years. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and scorched earth linger on the savoury finish. A few more years in the bottle should be enough. The understated side of Il Poggio comes through beautifully." Vinous

"The wine opens with flavours of dark fruits, light spices, grilled herbs and integrated tannins and closes with tart fruit and beautiful freshness." Wine Advocate

"A muscular red with flavours of iron, almonds, tar and undergrowth that add a spicy element to the core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense, dusty tannins and a mineral vein lend rigour, while this red wine proclaims "hands off" on the finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino." Wine Spectator

"Lots of lavender and sage with flavours of lemon blossom and cherries. Medium-bodied with firm and fine tannins that are crisp rather than chewy. Needs time to mellow, but is already impressive and precise. A classicism that is rarely found in Italy." James Suckling

"On the nose, cranberries with hints of wild mint and nutmeg. The mouth is savoury, with a resurgence of fruity-mentholy notes and sweet spices. Excellent finish." Luca Gardini

With the 2006 vintage, Monsanto's Vin Santo was released for the first time as "Occhio di Pernice", i.e. it was made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. It is only vinified in the very best years, the grapes are carefully harvested by hand in October and then placed on special racks where they rest until the beginning of the following year. After gentle pressing, the must is sealed and fermented in small oak, cherry and chestnut barrels in the Vinsantaia, where it is exposed to seasonal temperature fluctuations.

The Chimera sparkles majestically from the glass with its dark copper and garnet red reflections; the colour of the Sangiovese grape is immediately recognisable. The bouquet opens with maple syrup, brown sugar, chocolate and dried plums. On the palate, the wine is surprisingly weightless, balanced, graceful and of terrificdepth. An extremely convincing and high-class Occhio di Pernice with a long life expectancy. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense Vin Santo with a rich caramel-like character, offering dried fruit, walnuts, a hint of chocolate and a touch of mushrooms on the nose. Full and creamy with plenty of depth and density. It is sweet with a hint of volatility that refreshes the wine and gives it direction and tone at this stage. Nutty and chocolaty on the finish." James Suckling

"The Castello di Monsanto 2006 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice La Chimera shows a dark amber colour with ruby and crimson hues. The freshness of the acidity stands out and gives this wine a great injection of life and energy. The bouquet is centred on candied fruit, orange marmalade and plum brandy." Wine Advocate

"The 2006 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice is a wild, exotic wine. The long time in barrel concentrated the flavours, but the bright acids add a degree of freshness - quite remarkable for a sweet wine that is almost 20 years old. Nutmeg, dried flowers, candied figs and tobacco take shape in this complex, moderately sweet vin santo. This marvellous wine is a time machine in a glass." Vinous

"Grilled walnut, caramel, burnt sugar and kumquat flavors highlight this complex dessert wine. Feels more off-dry, with light sweetness and the feel of an Oloroso Sherry. Terrific length. Bring on the nuts and cheeses." Wine Spectator

Il Poggio 2019 slowly unfolds its breathtaking aromas of cherry blossom, blood orange, eucalyptus and raspberry. Initially taut and straightforward, it then unfolds on the palate with ripe wild berries underpinned by slate. The chalky tannins keep it firmly under control. This wine will continue to unfold its complex nuances for at least a few decades. Fantastic depth and energy. Incidentally, Il Poggio Gran Selezione was the first Chianti Classico in the appellation to be vinified and bottled as a single-vineyard wine (Cru) in 1962 - a revolution at the time! SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on fresh fruit notes, then also spicy nuances and fresh flowers; elegant course, polished and of great length, convinces with its elegant style." Vinum

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna il Poggio is a powerful, tight-knit wine that will need a few more years to show its best side. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle any time soon. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, orange peel and spices hint at a flavoursome, vibrant Il Poggio made for the cellar. Today, the 2019 is deceptive, but there is a lot of potential in it. It's a super-classic expression." Vinous

"A very juicy wine with aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, cranberries, orange peel and flowers. It is medium-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine and a clean finish." James Suckling

"The Castello di Monsanto 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio offers a dual approach with plenty of fresh cherry fruit and blueberry on the one hand, countered by light age and spice from balanced winemaking on the other. There are subtle notes of cloves and roasted spices on the medium-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

"This beautiful 2019 emerges from the glass, first showing mineral flint notes and white pepper, then arbutus and cherry, followed by orange and hyacinth. It is elegant with an abundance of tangy cranberry and ripe strawberry flavours flowing in a steady stream across the palate. Stony tannins and steely acidity add tension. Tarragon lingers." Decanter

"The aromas of earth and wild herbs give way to flavours of cherries, strawberries and pomegranates in this muscular version. Tar, earth, iron and sanguine elements intermingle, giving the wine depth and a tenacity that needs a few more years to refine. The core of ripe fruit reveals the future promise of this red wine." Wine Spectator

"The aroma has notes of blackcurrant, then hints of wild mint and nutmeg. The mouthfeel is salty-juicy, with a return of small fruits, menthol and sweet spices. Excellent finish." Luca Gardini