Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, 2016 Vineyard la Prima by Castello Vicchiomaggio, 96 Pts JS

The Vintage was a great Vintage.La Prima 2016 .

CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE

Classification: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Production Area: Chianti Classico
Grape Varieties: Sangiovese 95%, Merlot %
Alcohol Content: 13,5%
Available formats: 750ml - 1,5L

Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico La Prima Gran Selezione 2016JamesSuckling.com

Score James Suckling

The way the dark cherries, dried lavender and violets intermingle with sandalwood, wet earth and tea leaves is very endearing. The medium-to full-bodied palate is so savory and finely spiced with velvety, delicate tannins, caressing restrained layers of bright fruit. Driven and energetic, linear style. Forgive the cliché, but this is about as Burgundian as it comes, without being French. Drink now or hold.

Vineyard Information: La Prima, a 2.2Ha plot of Sangiovese, with a planting density of 5000 vines/Ha. on heavy clay (30%) at an altitude of 250 mt. Single Guyot pruning, very low yields of about 30Hl/Ha.

Vinification & Maturation:
Vinification: Small (50Hl.) stainless fermentation vats ensure maximum skin/juice contact for a period of about 15 days.
Maturation: 18 months in new 225 lt. French barriques followed by about 8 months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red with brick red undertones. Notes of cherry and ripe fruits. Extremely elegant, not overpowering, plenty of tannins but smooth and rounded. Enjoyable now but will develop very well over the years.