James recently spoke with Tuscany's Francesco Ricasoli on four 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (one of which received 100 points!).
Francesco said of the Chianti Classicos, "We call it 'cru' because they have the tendency, vintage after vintage, to show the same character after every harvest, even if the climate is very different."
When asked to compare the wines, he says the Colledila "has great structure, volume, mature fruit, very balanced, long fruit... A classic, I would call it." The Roncicone brings about notes of the beach with its "peculiar and rare character" using notes of "salinity, saltiness, acidity, minerality." He finds that the Ceniprimo gives "more opulence, more balsamic flavours, fresh fruit, great structure, great intensity, a little darker in color."
And the Castello di Brolio is a "grand vin, more defined character, meant to be 100% sangiovese... [It is] cultivated on a higher altitude, closer to the castle" on soils of sandstone, limestone and more.
Watch the interview now to learn more about Francesco's vinification methods to produce wines of character, structure, and elegance, and his thoughts on producing single-vineyard wines for the region. More details and tasting notes are available in this Weekly Tasting Report.
