In This Newsletter:
Chianti’s Gran Selezione
Close-Out Featurette: Huet
Chianti’s Gran Selezione
Close-Out Featurette: Huet
The Pinnacle of Chianti
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Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
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Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti represents one of the most cherished and well-known winemaking regions in all of Italy. It is undergoing a rebirth that is decades in the making. Given the region’s disastrous association with straw-wrapped bottles (did “fiasco” refer to the jug or the wine within?), for a while it was best known for causing serious winemakers to flee to the hills or to drop the appellation name altogether just to be able to make something better. Lucky for us, that rebirth is just hitting its stride.
Today, at the top of the Chianti range, there is a new category: the Gran Selezione. Not only does it undergo longer aging that Chianti Classico Riserva, thirty months, and require a higher minimum percentage of Sangiovese, at 90%, but it also has more stringent quality control requirements. Gran Selezione must be crafted from estate-grown grapes from within the Chianti Classico zone, either a single-vineyard or a reserve selection. Additionally, it must pass a tasting panel performed by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico against its peers.
Though the bureaucratic response to Chianti’s quality was slow, it has arrived. When once the DOC allowed for white grapes and thin wine, the focus is ever more on quality. Gran Selezione allows producers to highlight the terroir of the Classico zone in a way that results in wines that, to quote Decanter, “will certainly age for 30 years.” And Ian D’Agata explained further: “At the time, there were those who weren’t sure Gran Selezione would work… But I think it has been a remarkable success and has produced some genuinely outstanding wines.”
The regulations have set up Gran Selezione to be Chianti’s pinnacle. We’re fortunate to watch the birth of a new wave of outstanding quality from Chianti. Here’s your chance to explore.
Today, at the top of the Chianti range, there is a new category: the Gran Selezione. Not only does it undergo longer aging that Chianti Classico Riserva, thirty months, and require a higher minimum percentage of Sangiovese, at 90%, but it also has more stringent quality control requirements. Gran Selezione must be crafted from estate-grown grapes from within the Chianti Classico zone, either a single-vineyard or a reserve selection. Additionally, it must pass a tasting panel performed by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico against its peers.
Though the bureaucratic response to Chianti’s quality was slow, it has arrived. When once the DOC allowed for white grapes and thin wine, the focus is ever more on quality. Gran Selezione allows producers to highlight the terroir of the Classico zone in a way that results in wines that, to quote Decanter, “will certainly age for 30 years.” And Ian D’Agata explained further: “At the time, there were those who weren’t sure Gran Selezione would work… But I think it has been a remarkable success and has produced some genuinely outstanding wines.”
The regulations have set up Gran Selezione to be Chianti’s pinnacle. We’re fortunate to watch the birth of a new wave of outstanding quality from Chianti. Here’s your chance to explore.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, January 26th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, January 26th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer ten Gran Selezione options on sale now, including:
Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $239, that’s $227.05 at 5% off and $215.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “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. 2028 – 2043”
Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it’s got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth. 2026 – 2041”
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A tight, polished red with a very beautiful texture of firm, polished yet integrated tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of subtle dark-berry and chocolate character. Hints of walnuts, too. Flavorful finish. A little tight at the end, but already really delicious. Serious young Gran Selezione. Drink or hold.”
Casa Emma Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Pretty aromas of violet, kirsch, raspberry and black currant herald this elegant, vibrant red, which is firmly built, with a supple texture offsetting dusty tannins. Approachable now for its balance and fruit, but this should age well too. Best from 2023 through 2040.”
Fèlsina Berardenga Colonia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “When you hear the story of the effort that went into making the Colonia vineyard, you have to wonder if the fine folks at Fèlsina are absolutely mad. It took them two years of dynamite blasting to clear the imposing rock that had forced previous generations of the Poggiali family to virtually abandon this site. But an ambitious Giovanni Poggiali takes credit for making this spectacular vineyard what it is today. The wine produced here is quickly becoming the second flagship product after Fontalloro. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is a wine of enormous beauty and depth. This is Sangiovese at its highest expression and any doubt I had about the previous vintage (which was the first time this wine appeared as a Gran Selezione) have been washed away by this current release. What really stands out are the wine’s precise mineral and graphite aromas that lend an incredible sense of focus and balance. The oak element is also beautifully integrated.”
Fèlsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points “The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all nely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb.”
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96+ points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”
The Gran Selezione, made only in the best years, is a stunning wine from the San Marcellino vineyard, made unique with the inclusion of the rare, indigenous red variety Pugnitello.
Rocca di Montegrossi Vigneto San Marcellino Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino is potent, but also shockingly closed for this dry, warm year. Readers will have to be patient with the 2017 as it needs quite a bit of time to be at its best. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and licorice all build into the huge, explosive finish. There’s tremendous substance here, not to mention tons of sheer character.”
Barone Ricasoli Colledila, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open.”
San Felice Il Grigio Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy. Production is 30,000 bottles.”
Domaine Huet is the most sought-after Vouvray producer, at least according to Wine-Searcher data. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture, modernizing only in the most conscientious way. Today, horses still plough between the rows of their three vineyards, considered some of the greatest in all of the Loire. These vineyards have very distinct personalities worth exploring. Essentially, wines from Le Haut-Lieu are their most approachable, offering softer and younger-drinking wines. Le Mont wines are dense, chock-full of minerals (or should we say chalk-full?), and the most age-worthy, per insiders. Clos du Bourg wines lie somewhere in between the others in terms of youthful approachability and minerality. Gaston Huet, the estate’s famous winemaker for 55 years, considered Clos du Bourg to be the greatest vineyard in Vouvray.
In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention.
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $49, Now $39, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous crystallized ginger, dried quince, glazed pear and warm persimmon notes are seamlessly interwoven here, gliding through a lengthy finish that picks up a lilting green tea accent. Frankly off-dry but wonderfully pure. Drink now through 2035.”
In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention.
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $49, Now $39, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous crystallized ginger, dried quince, glazed pear and warm persimmon notes are seamlessly interwoven here, gliding through a lengthy finish that picks up a lilting green tea accent. Frankly off-dry but wonderfully pure. Drink now through 2035.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $59, Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Bright, even exuberant in feel, with a parade of Jonagold apple, green melon, Bosc pear and quince flavors streaming through, gilded with heather, honeysuckle and verbena notes on the long, lithe finish. Remarkably elegant despite the off-dry style. Drink now through 2035.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Premiere Trie Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $69, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is ripe and broad, taking a slightly more power-driven approach, with a mix of tropical mango and papaya fruit, backed by orchard fruit accents of yellow apple and peach. The long, heather honey–accented finish has light piecrust and crystalized ginger hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We offer 181 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Chezeaux
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
Produttori del Barbaresco
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Chezeaux sale ends Friday, January 24th at 9 am Pacific. Produttori del Barbaresco sale ends Saturday, January 25th at 9 am Pacific.