The name Monsanto is synonymous with age-worthy Chianti Classicos. Thanks to the hard work of owner Fabrizio Bianchi, the estate has been making excellent reds since 1962, which marks the early evolution of modern fine-winemaking in Tuscany. Castello di Monsanto was the first winery in the region to make a single-vineyard designated wine – Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio.
Fabrizio’s daughter Laura Bianchi now continues the tradition as the head of the estate. Although Monsanto is best known for its Chianti Classicos, it also makes an excellent pure cabernet sauvignon named Nemo. But it’s the Chianti Classico Riservas that are the standard-bearers here.
I first visited the property in 1983, when I was in awe of the cellars and old bottles from the 1960s. The wines were incredibly fresh and flavorful after 20 years. Some of the same vintages still show fantastic quality. Every devoted Tuscan wine lover should seek out the riserva Chianti Classicos from Castello di Monsanto; they’re great value at about $20 a bottle. Monsanto’s single vineyard Chianti Classico riserva, Il Poggio, is even more of a classic and produced only in the best years.
Below are notes from some of the most recent Chianti Classicos we reviewed.
You can meet the Monsanto team and taste their wines at our upcoming Great Wines of Italy USA event (March 1-8).
Click here for more information.
