What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Il Poggio' 2020 - Castello di Monsanto

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Il Poggio” 2020 - Castello di Monsanto is one of the iconic wines of the Tuscan tradition. It originates from a meticulous selection of Sangiovese grapes from the renowned "Il Poggio" vineyard, located near Barberino Tavarnelle, in the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation. It is a full-bodied, structured, and highly elegant red, an authentic expression of the territory and the vintage. This is the winery's flagship wine and is produced only in vintages considered exceptional, starting from 1962.

Vintage Details

The 2020 harvest in Chianti Classico was characterized by balanced weather, with a warm but not excessive summer and well-distributed rainfall. These conditions favored healthy, ripe grapes rich in aromas. The 2020 vintage of "Il Poggio" stands out for its harmonious profile, where the freshness of Sangiovese perfectly combines with its fruity component and the typical acidity that supports its longevity.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Il Poggio' 2020 - Castello di Monsanto follows a traditional philosophy, yet attentive to modern precision. After fermentation in stainless steel, which preserves the aromatic purity of the fruit, the wine remains on the skins for several weeks for maceration, to extract color, body, and tannins – the component that gives structure and aging potential. This is followed by aging for approximately 20 months in French oak barrels of various sizes, with an additional period in the bottle before commercial release, allowing the wine to fully express its complexity.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red tending towards garnet, a sign of an evolution already underway but still perfectly vibrant.

Nose

The nose surprises with its depth and finesse: aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and violet intertwine with spicy notes of pepper, tobacco, and noble wood. With aeration, balsamic hints and touches of leather emerge, making the bouquet complex and enveloping.

Palate

On the palate, it is rich and harmonious: the tannins are dense but silky, supported by a pleasant freshness that balances the structure. The finish is long, with an elegant aftertaste where the fruity and spicy notes already perceived on the nose return. It is a wine that combines strength and balance, designed for those who love deep and long-lived reds.

Which dishes to pair with Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Il Poggio' 2020 - Castello di Monsanto

This wine pairs magnificently with great Tuscan cuisine dishes and red meats. Ideal with:

• Bistecca alla fiorentina or beef tagliata
• Game and substantial roasts
• Aged cheeses, such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmesan
• Pasta dishes with meat sauces

It is a convivial and table wine, also perfect to accompany a special dinner or to be enjoyed on its own as a tasting experience.

Storage and Aging: How to store Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'Il Poggio' 2020 - Castello di Monsanto wine

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG “Il Poggio” 2020 - Castello di Monsanto has excellent aging potential. If stored correctly, it can evolve for over ten years, developing increasingly complex aromas. For optimal storage:

• Keep bottles lying down, away from direct light.
• Constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C.
• Controlled humidity, around 70%, to preserve the cork.

It is a wine that offers emotions both when young, thanks to its freshness and vitality, and after long aging in the bottle, when it reaches its full expressive maturity.