2016 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

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  • 97 Point Chianti Classico 
  • Gran Selezione (Grand Cru) Level
  • 97 Point Vintage, Wine Spectator
  • Best Quality Fruit From Family Estate
  • Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Castello di Bossi's Gran Selezione is precisely that-- a selection of the best quality fruit grown across the Bacci family's Castelnuovo Berardenga estate in any given vintage. Whilst this wine will always contain a portion of fruit sourced from the noble Corbaia Vineyard, different areas of the estate may feature in the cuvee depending on the weather conditions and ripening observed over the course of a vintage growing season.

Gran Selezione is the newest quality designation to have been added to the DOCG classification system in Chianti Classico. Gran Selezione takes quality controls a step further than Riserva-- which previously occupied the top tier-- by banning the use of any purchased, or non-estate-grown fruit, in the inclusion of a wine labeled Gran Selezione. This coupled with longer aging requirements (30 months minimum) and minimum levels of alcohol set to 13% designates a band of wines from Chianti Classico producers representative of the appellation's highest quality potential with often limited availability.

The Gran Selezione from Castello di Bossi is fermented over a 2 to 3 week period in Stainless Steel tanks using indigenous yeasts and temperature control.

Aging: 500 Liter French tonneaux for 24 months, followed by 6 months in bottle.

Tasting Notes: 100% Sangiovese. Deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate, and saddle leather. On the palate, the wine is fleshy and dense.  The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years.

Reviews

A stunning Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that shows pure lavender and violets, in addition to riper dark cherries, tea leaves, olives, eucalyptus, and spice box. Very structured and muscular on the palate, which encompasses layers of dark fruit and plenty of driving acidity to take this through to a long, chewy finish. Drink from 2024. ~97 James Suckling

Castello di Bossi (Renieri) is one of the headline estates from the Castelnuovo Berardenga commune of Chianti Classico. The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a terrific wine that unfolds to reveal pretty fruit intensity, deep layers of cherry and blackberry, and a soft texture. The wine is elegant and fresh with steady fruit weight that drives the quality and length of the finish. A well-marbled steak will do nicely here. ~94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Enticing aromas of violet, eucalyptus, and leather lead the nose. The fragrant, structured palate delivers black cherry, clove, tobacco, and cinnamon alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well-balanced. ~93 Wine Enthusiast

Marco Bacci has owned this expansive Castelnuovo Berardenga property since 1998 and has significantly increased the Gran Selezione production since the inaugural 2013 vintage - from 10,000 to 50,000 bottles. The 2016 release is robust and big-boned but with a savory and mellow personality. It is dominated by intriguing nuances of mushroom, spice, and blood. Firm tannins keep the soft fruit in check while measured acidity injects vibrancy. Some warming alcohol on finish. ~92 Decanter

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