The historic Rocca di Montegrossi estate is comprised of seventeen picturesque acres nestled along the Romanesque, eleventh-century Pieve di San Marcellino church. Surrounded by olive groves and forest, the estate produces one of the most desirable expressions of Sangiovese in all of Chianti, not to mention Tuscany. Arguably Chianti’s most historic family, in 1872 Baron Bettino Ricasoli created the formula for Chianti Classico that is still used in the famous DOCG today. The Ricasoli-Firidolfi Family organically farms the Rocca di Montegrossi estate from the rich terroir of Monti in Chianti’s Gaiole. Known for its calcareous, stony soil mixed with alberese limestone and galestro schist and clay, Monti is undoubtedly one of the greatest pockets for Chianti Classico in the appellation.
Accomplished winemaker and owner, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, handcrafts this “Gran Selezione” of his best fruit named the “San Marcellino” from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Pugnitello, derived from vines that are 20-50 years old and rooted at an elevation of 350-500 meters. The pristine grapes are hand-harvested then fermented with indigenous yeasts in wooden casks. The wine is aged for twenty-four months in Allier French oak barrels then matured in bottle for an additional twenty-four months. The result is truly one of the best Chianti Classico’s out there on par with many top expressions of Sangiovese in Tuscany. The family, steeped in history and traditional, has remained true to their legacy and focused on incredible quality, which is evident in every perfumed, terroir-driven sip.
The wine displays a deep saturated crimson hue with orange and amber reflections in the glass. The mature, regal nose is soft, floral and is dominated by dried rose petals, dried orange peel, vintage leather, tobacco leaf, tar, tomato leaf and fennel over pure aromas of dried red cherry, redcurrant, dried red and black plum. The deep, three-dimensional nose gives way to a layered palate of concentrated, mouth-coating fruit that recalls fine Brunello, coupled with mature, silky tannins that are reminiscent of a great, aged Barolo. This rare Chianti Classico delivers a perfume and sensory journey that only the greatest Sangioveses ever achieve. This 2010 Chianti Classico is in its peak but should continue to evolve in a positive progression over the next five years. This beautiful example, where Barolo meets Brunello in charm, is one of the most interesting and pleasure-filled bottles of red I have tasted in a long time and greatly over-delivers for the price point. To enjoy, simply decant for 30 minutes and serve at cellar temperature in Bordeaux stems alongside this
traditional Tuscan ragu over pasta for a serious meal.
