Gran Selezione is a category within Chianti Classico, the historic wine region between Florence and Siena. While Chianti itself can be made from Sangiovese grapes, Gran Selezione must contain at least 90% Sangiovese.
Established in 2014 by the Consorzio Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione is essentially Chianti Classico that has been aged for at least 30 months — much longer than the 12 months required for a basic Chianti Classico or the 24 months for a Chianti Classico Riserva.
Riserva has always been a tough sell, largely because of its higher price point, often double that of a standard Chianti Classico, with many consumers struggling to understand its value. So, Gran Selezione was created as a way to redefine and move stock of surplus Chianti Classico Riserva.
But, does more ageing actually improve the wine’s quality to justify the price hike of about 30% over Riserva? Frankly, I think the whole concept was a bit misguided and has largely been a failure. Perhaps the Consorzio was trying to compete with Super Tuscans by creating their own “Gran’ category.
So, why have I made a Gran Selezione?
I wish I could say I made it to prove a point, but the honest truth is a little simpler. We had some leftover Riserva juice — just 400 litres, aged in a Clayver ceramic egg. So, I thought, why not make a Gran Selezione?
We produced just 500 bottles, aged it for a total of 36 months and then added 5% Sangiovese matured in a Mittelberger Italian oak tonneau before bottling it on 8th November 2021. So, there you have it: a Gran Selezione Chianti Classico. Maybe I should have called First, what is a Gran Selezione?
– it a Super Tuscan!
RBW Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2017
Score: 91/100
No Price Increases!
Despite the extra ageing and effort, the price of this wine remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why do you put your signature on each bottle?
A: Because every bottle contains wine that I personally blended and made. It’s a way of ensuring the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
RBW Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2017
Score: 91/100
THERE ARE NO INCREASES IN PRICES!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Q: why do you put your signature on each bottle? A: Because each bottle contains wine personally blended and made by me.
