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Castello Di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2016 750ml
Case of 6
OUT OF STOCK
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 896372
$452.22/case
$75.37/bottle
Out of stock
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A rich and flavorful red with dark berries and hints of hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Full body. Nicely chewy tannins and a smoky, berry and coffee aftertaste. Better in a year or two. Try after 2020.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico stands out for its rich history, exceptional terroir, and distinctive winemaking traditions. Centered around the Sangiovese grape, these wines are renowned for their vibrant acidity, lively cherry and floral notes, and a signature earthy character. What sets it apart is the stringent production regulations, requiring a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, ensuring a regional identity. The iconic black rooster on the label symbolizes the commitment to quality, distinguishing Chianti Classico from other Chianti subzones.
The wines undergo a minimum aging period of 12 months, with some oak aging, resulting in a harmonious balance between fruit expression and nuanced complexity. This meticulous approach highlights the region’s dedication to preserving authenticity and showcasing the unique characteristics of its terroir.
JS94pts
James Suckling
A rich and flavorful red with dark berries and hints of hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Full body. Nicely chewy tannins and a smoky, berry and coffee aftertaste. Better in a year or two. Try after 2020.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
I had previously reviewed this wine made with organic fruit. The Castello di Verrazzano 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello is a dark and thickly layered wine that is packed tight with dried blackberry, Morello cherry, spice and cured leather. With 20,000 bottles produced, this is a full-bodied Gran Selezione with concentrated flavors and generous fruit weight.
VM92pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello is a wild, potent wine. Sweet black cherries in liqueur, cloves, licorice, menthol, hard candy and wild flowers give the 2016 its distinctly exotic profile. Deep, expressive and full of personality, the 2016 has a ton of character. Readers should expect an exotic, quirky Chianti Classico with a lot of depth, crazy aromatics and plenty of persistence.
WE90pts
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of underbrush, camphor, moist earth and mature black-skinned fruit form the nose. On the full-bodied, concentrated palate, close-grained tannins accompany dried black cherry, licorice and roasted coffee bean before a firm, mouthdrying finish.
DC90pts
Decanter
Somewhat nutty nose with ripe dark fruit and smoky aromas. Assertive with a firmly powdered texture.
Winery Notes
Intense ruby red in color enhanced by purple overtones. Intense and persistent on the nose, offering a variety of fruity notes including: cherries, blackberries, and raspberries underlined by hints of oak and vanilla. On the palate, elegant and complex with closely woven tannins both smooth and pleasant along with notes of fruit and spice, oak and vanilla, with a long finish. Pairs well with roasted meats and aged cheeses.
