Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva, Il Poggio, Gran Selezione
Item Number: 26 30 112 18
Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva, Il Poggio, Gran Selezione
96 Point Rated Historic Single Vineyard Chianti Classico!
Quick Taste
- 96 Points!
- Gran Selezione, Chianti's most prestigious designation
- Single historic vineyard
- "ripe and present tannins, and wonderful energy."
About Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva, 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.
From the Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany Region in Italy, this Chianti Classico is made from Hand picked grapes selected at the optimum moment of the vintage. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures with about 25 days of skin contact. Ruby red in color, tending towards garnet. Intensely aromatic and complex with strong aromas of black cherry and apricot fruit. Full bodied with rich blackberry fruit flavors, an elegant mouthfeel and a strong backbone of tannins.
This red wine is an exceptional compliment to red meat, roasts, and game.
Wine Spectator scored this 96 points saying "A muscular red, with iron, almond, tar and underbrush aromas, which lend a savory element to the core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense, dusty tannins and a vein of mineral lend austerity as this red announces "hands off" on the tightly wound finish. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino."
James Suckling scored this 96 points saying "So much lavender and sage with lemon blossom and cherry aromas. Medium-bodied with firm and fine tannins that give a crunchiness instead of a chewiness. Needs time to soften but already impressive and precise."
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 95 points saying "The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Poggio is 95% Sangiovese and the rest Colorino and Canaiolo. A subtle and attractive perfume floats from the glass with candied rose petal, wild raspberry, and sweet herbs. The palate is surprisingly more expressive and explosive, offering notes of ripe cherry, wild herbs, orange peel, and dusty earth. It has a warming feel and still has structure, with good depth and concentration, ripe and present tannins, and wonderful energy. This is another one to cellar and drink 2025-2040."
Wine Enthusiast scored this 93 points saying "The sanguine, savory nose of cured meat, balsamic, pepper and sage has a kick of spicy tomato. Juicy, meaty and herbal notes continue on the palate, while cherries and fresh tomatoes provide balance. Tannins and acidity provide masterful framing"
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.0%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country Italy
- Region Tuscany
- Appellation Chianti Classico
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