Rocca di Montegrossi Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG from Rocca di Montegrossi

Vigneto San Marcellino

For once, this outstanding Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is not named after a person, but a building: the church of San Marcellino was built in the year 1,000 AD on the site of today's Rocca di Montegrossi vineyard. The vines that grow right next to the church are more than 45 years old and provide the mostly 95% Sangiovese grapes for the Gran Selezione. A touch of Pugnitello grapes is added to this. This is also an autochthonous grape variety from Tuscany, which almost fell into oblivion in the 1980s. The shape of the grapes is reminiscent of a fist, "pugno" in Italian, hence the name Pugnitello. Today, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, owner of Rocca di Montegrossi, is aware of the importance of this small-berried grape. Sangiovese wines can sometimes appear quite angular and edgy due to their acidity and tannin structure. The "fist" of the Pugnitello softens these characteristics and supports the Sangiovese in its effect. Alcoholic fermentation takes place for around two weeks at a controlled temperature of 28 to 30 degrees in cement tanks. The wine is matured for at least 25 months in new and used oak barrels - barriques and tonneaux - made from Allier oak. Bottling is followed by a further maturation period of at least 18 months in the cellar. The result of this lengthy process: the nose reveals a fruity, dense network of aromas ranging from ripe cherries to plums and dark berries. Accompanied by an elegant spiciness and a confident minerality. On the palate, the wine draws on its full potential: lots of spice, dark fruit, firm tannins, harmonious, with wonderful, perfectly integrated acidity. Nothing is missing! Or actually only one thing: quantity! Because only just under 6,000 bottles of this top wine are produced per vintage - but in magnum size. This red wine can compete with the great wines of the world.

Monti in Chianti: In the heart of the historic Chianti Classico

Monti in Chianti is a small village located around seven kilometers south of Gaiole in Chianti, in the heart of the oldest appellation in the world. Here, in the center of "historic" Chianti, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi runs the Rocca di Montegrossi winery. If, as in France for example, there were a classification system in Italy based on regions and vineyards, then Monti in Chianti would undoubtedly be one of the "Grand Cru" of the region. The terroir, i.e. the combination of soil and microclimate, offers excellent conditions for the Sangiovese and all other grape varieties that grow on the vineyard, which has been organically managed and certified for several years. Around 20 hectares of land are planted with vines. The autochthonous grape varieties Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino and Pugnitello can be found, as well as the international grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are used for the Supertuscan Geremia. A white wine variety, Malvasia Bianco di Toscana, also grows here.

Rocca di Montegrossi: a winery with aristocratic roots

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi comes from the oldest noble family in Tuscany, which is considered the "inventor" of the Chianti formula and which still has its family seat in Castello di Brolio - not far from the Rocca di Montegrossi vineyard. This is not the only reason why Marco feels a strong connection to the Chianti region - and in particular, of course, to the village of Monti - with its rolling hills, the Chianti Classico wine tradition and the culture of the region. He loves how he lives and where he lives. And you can also feel this in his wines: In addition to the Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, the Rocca di Montegrossi range includes a powerful, elegant Chianti Classico, the noble, richly structured Super Tuscan called Geremia, a cuvée of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a fruity, tangy Rosato. The Vin Santo produced at Rocca di Montegrossi is outstanding, a true delicacy and treasure at the same time. And last but not least: the fruity and spicy Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva olive oil.

In Italy, in the region Tuscany, in the region Chianti Classico, in Monti in Chianti

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi

20 ha of which 11 ha are classified as Chianti Classico

Galestro

South or south-east orientation

340 - 510 meters above sea level

3,300 (old systems) - 6,200 vines per ha

Cordon