Description
The name Querciabella is entirely appropriate to this estate in Chianti, which is surrounded by a sheltering forest of magnificent trees. Sebastiano Castiglioni is at the helm of one of the most innovative wineries in Italy, spearheading vegan and biodynamic practices in his two estates. Helped by the incredibly talented South African winemaker Manfred Ing, Querciabella are releasing not only some of the purest expressions of Chianti Classico but also venturing into Super-Tuscan territory with Camartina and Palafreno. Querciabella are also responsible for one of the most acclaimed Italian whites, Batàr, alongside a range of exciting Maremma wines.
A new project from Querciabella, all the fruit comes from high altitude vineyards on the Ruffoli hill, in the commune of Greve. Classically made, this is a profound, complex, ageworthy wine from Querciabella. There’s so much going on here, and the texture is astonishing. A new benchmark for Chianti?
VINOUS 96+ points
“The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is ample, rich and quite seductive, which is to say very much in the style of the year. Dark red fruit, spice, leather, tobacco and incense all build as the 2017 shows off its considerable allure. This is so expressive today. […] The purity of the Sangiovese fruit is simply mind-blowing. Fine-grained tannins and an impossibly persistent finish round thins out in style. The new Gran Selezione is one of the most compelling young wines I have ever tasted at Querciabella.” Drinking 2025-2042 - Antonio Galloni, 07/21
JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Aromas of currants, black cherries, cloves, vanilla, dark chocolate and bay leaf. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a vivid, chalky mouthfeel. Structured and firm palate that delivers freshness and a mineral sensation. Delicate and juicy mix of red and blue fruit with hints of peppermint and crushed stones to close. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold.
DECANTER 93 points
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2033
Dark berries and blue fruit aromas seasoned with creamy oak spices. It is very concentrated with a very firm yet polished tannic structure, showing an attractive finesse. It is lively, bright and youthful. - Susan Hulme MW, 03/22
Varieties: Sangiovese
Viticulture: Plant-based biodynamics
Certifications: Vegan; Organic
Average yield (wine): 30hl/ha
Élevage: 30 months in total 18 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux
Annual production: approximately 1,800 bottles
