SAQ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG ‘6.38’ 2019, Valiano Castelnuovo Berardenga

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Great, Great Chianti!

Chianti wines come in many forms. From a simple Chianti for an inexpensive wine, to a more precise and serious Classico, to a Riserva that has spent two years in barrels, it is easy to get lost. Wanting to add another layer, the consortium introduced the Gran Selezione designation in 2014.

Just as much a DOCG as the other Chianti appellations, it does, however, require 30 months of aging (including several in barrels) for grapes that are at least 80% Sangiovese, all from vineyards belonging to the estate. Furthermore, a ‘rigorous’ selection process is applied at the tasting level, and it is also claimed that not all vintages qualify as Gran Selezione. In short, we are talking about serious Chianti, and this Valiano is an incredible value for money.

6.38 is the number of hectares dedicated to the estate's Gran Selezione, with Sangiovese (90%) and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the remainder, which will have spent 18 months in barrels. Refined notes of red fruits and spices, all supported by softened tannins. The finish is long, spicy, and leans toward anise. Stock up for lively après-ski evenings.

• To accompany it: an aged cheddar at the end of the meal, to defy the advocates of white wine and cheese…
• A bit of trivia: in 2027, the Gran Selezione will require a minimum of 90% Sangiovese in the blend and will no longer allow international grape varieties.
• To better understand Sangiovese: keep an eye out for the cherry aperitif coming this fall!
• 2019 was an impeccable vintage in Chianti, but 2015 was even more so, and you can still find a few bottles of this Castello Fonterutoli 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Marchesi Mazzei for $35 at the SAQ (15278806)