Castello di Monsanto, at Barberino Tavarnelle, is one of the estates that wrote the modern history of Chianti Classico. Fabrizio Bianchi was among the first to remove white grapes from Chianti and, with the 1962 vintage, to bottle a single vineyard: Il Poggio, regarded as the appellation's first cru. Today the estate is run by his daughter Laura.
Il Poggio is a hillside vineyard on galestro and alberese soils. The wine is almost entirely Sangiovese, with a small share of Canaiolo and Colorino in keeping with tradition; it ferments in steel with a long maceration and ages in oak, then for a long time in bottle in the estate's historic underground tunnels.
2018, a balanced and fresh vintage, produced a Gran Selezione of great finesse: cherry, violet, blood orange, herbs and spice, with dense tannins and lively acidity. Among the longest-lived Chianti Classicos of all. With bistecca alla fiorentina, roasts, game and aged pecorino.
At a glance: Sangiovese 95%, Canaiolo and Colorino 5% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Castello di Monsanto, Barberino Tavarnelle (Chianti Classico)


