Monsanto 2015 Chianti Classico, Il Poggio, Gran Selezione

When owner Fabrizio Bianchi purchased this ancient estate 1962 he began a transformation that continues to this day. The vineyards have all been revitalized and the winemaking is modern and up-to-date. He was one of the first to eliminate white grapes from his Chianti blend.

It was Il Poggio vineyard, way back in 1962, that heralded the start of Castello di Monsanto’s journey in wine production. Still to this day the company’s most iconic bottle, Il Poggio is the first Chianti Classico to feature the name of the specific vineyard that produces it. White grapes were removed from the recipe in 1968. Il Poggio is the source – thanks to massal selection – of all the Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo plants in the company’s other vineyards.

This wine from the outstanding 2015 vintage now bears the prestigious designation of Gran Selezione. A blend 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino and Canaiolo fermented in temperature-controlled conical steel tanks with delestage system over 22 days. Aged in 500-liter French oak barrels, partly new and partly second-hand for 20 months and an additional 2 years of aging in bottle before release.
 
The Wine Spectator scored this 95 points saying "Balsamic aromas and flavors of juniper, rosemary, sage and loamy earth give way to plum, cherry and iron notes in this dry, powerful red. Burly tannins complete the package. The lasting impression is of ripe fruit, showing some heat in the balance. This screams terroir and needs time to find equilibrium. Best from 2023 through 2045."