Name: Ipsus Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Caggio 2018 750ml
Brand: Ipsus
SKU: 898204
Price: 251.73 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 96 (5 reviews)

Winery

Ipsus

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Varietal

Sangiovese

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 â€“ 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.

JS 97pts

James Suckling

Very perfumed with roses and other flowers. Spanish cedar, too. Medium-bodied with creamy and fine yet round tannins that go on for minutes. Super-fine texture. Juicy fruit. Succulent and so beautiful. Hard not to drink now. In fact, do. But it will age beautifully, too. Vineyards of 30 years or more. Drink or hold.

DC 97pts

Decanter

Similar to when I last tasted this in 2022, Ipsus 2018 is a combination of the ripe fruit of 2015 and the freshness of 2016. Oak spice is now integrated, and the red berry fruit is nicely highlighted on both the nose and palate, adding additional layers of complexity. The tannins are still a touch tight, and chalky in texture – this wine is evolving slowly. Drinking now, but it will be better in a couple of years.

WA 96pts

Wine Advocate

Hitting the market now, the Caggio 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus unfolds slowly in the glass to reveal dark fruit, cassis, spice, cured leather and pressed blue flowers. There is a touch of something exotic like a bay leaf or a hint of toasted cumin. The finish is silky and very smooth, and this wine is longer in terms of mouthfeel and more finely polished compared to the 2016 vintage that I tasted at the same time. Compared to 2016, this 2018 edition is aged for a slightly shorter time in tonneaux. It sees two months less of oak and a bit more time in cement vat. Also, the percentage of new wood was reduced from 100% to 80%. Fermentation is spontaneous with no added yeasts and submerged cap.

TWI 96pts

The Wine Independent

The 2018 Ipsus Chianti Classico Caggio Gran Selezione has more delicate, beauitfully floral aromas such as rose petal, sweet herb and bright red cherry with an almost Pinot Noir-like expessive red fruit on the nose but also distinctive Sangiovese chalkiness. This wine expresses the finer side of Sangiovese in a fresher vintage like 2018. For me there is much greater harmony and balance on this 2018 than in the two previous vintageswith more range and subtle nuance of flavors, while it manages to be unforced and elegant. The weight and texture is great, not huge, but it dances brightly across the palate with some macchia mediterranea wild herb notes. It is easily the best Ipsus so far, and drinking beautifully now even though it is still young.

WS 94pts

Wine Spectator

A broad, spicy style, this red exhibits cherry, plum, sweet pipe tobacco and vanilla flavors backed by a dense matrix of tannins. Ending with a mouthwatering finish of fruit and spices, this needs time to absorb the new oak. Best from 2025 through 2040. 350 cases made, 75 cases imported.

Winery Notes

IPSUS has a distinguished power which represents its own unique terroir, Il Caggio. Fine and silky tannins are combined with red berries, cherries and the aromas of blood orange peel. Touches of violet, roses and lavender are seasoned with delicate spices and crushed stones. IPSUS, with its tightly-wound texture and long, savoury finish, is an electrifying wine. A wine with great ageing potential, it is endlessly intriguing, and will not cease to delight you. IPSUS has courage with a touch of arrogance and the soul of a dreamer. IPSUS pushes the boundaries of Tuscan winemaking.

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Ipsus Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Caggio 2018 750ml

Case of 3

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