Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione represents the essence of the Castello Fonterutoli estate. A forerunner of the 1995 Gran Selezione categorization; it's a Cru of 100% Sangiovese coming from 11 parcels surrounding the Fonterutoli hamlet. Hand-picking with stainless steel tank fermentation with 18 months maturation in French oak barrels (500 litre, 50% new) with a final 4 months in concrete tanks before bottling and release. The result is a wine of remarkable concentration and elegance; ripe red berry fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant, Morello cherry, mocha and a hint of liquorice are all present on the palate. Chiselled tannins are balanced by a bright core of acidity on a long, richly textured finish.

"The Mazzei 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli shows a silky and fine consistency with bright aromas of wild cherry and cassis. This vintage is downplayed and subtle, surprisingly so, but also ethereal. That delicate bouquet is framed by light touches of smoke and spice, although the wine's intensity is carefully measured overall. These results should flesh out with more time in bottle." - 93 Pts, Monica Larner, RobertParker.com