The Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a masterpiece of Tuscan winemaking, crafted entirely from 100% Sangiovese grapes and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels to achieve exceptional depth and character. This organic and estate-grown wine captures the essence of the Chianti Classico terroir with an intense ruby red color and garnet reflections. Its bouquet enchants with notes of ripe red fruits, plum, and maraschino cherry, complemented by layers of spicy tobacco, balsamic undertones, and a hint of licorice. On the palate, this elegant wine boasts velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a persistent, refined finish with whispers of bitter chocolate. Perfectly suited to pair with red meats and aged cheeses, it offers a luxurious drinking experience that reflects its meticulous production and aging process. A must-try for connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of Chianti's rich tradition.
Process & Profile
The production of Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is rooted in tradition and innovation. This wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, grown organically on the estate's carefully tended vineyards at 360 meters above sea level. The vinification process employs stainless steel tanks with selected dry yeasts, ensuring a soft extraction of polyphenols for optimal complexity. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, blending 30% new oak with 70% one-year-old barrels, followed by a further period of refinement after bottling. This rigorous approach results in a wine of remarkable finesse and aging potential.
Tasting Notes
Casaloste Don VincEnzo is a sensory masterpiece:
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Appearance: Deep ruby red with garnet reflections.
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Aroma: A complex bouquet of ripe red fruits like plum and maraschino cherry, enhanced by notes of sweet tobacco, licorice, and a balsamic finish.
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Palate: Elegant and velvety with well-structured tannins and balanced acidity. Layers of flavor reveal hints of bitter chocolate and persistent richness, making each sip an indulgent experience.
What Makes It Special
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Gran Selezione Excellence: As a Gran Selezione, this wine represents the highest classification in the Chianti Classico DOCG designation, requiring a minimum of 30 months of aging and exceptional quality.
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Organic and Sustainable: Produced with a commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, it reflects both environmental care and an unparalleled dedication to purity and excellence.
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Limited Production: With only 4,000 bottles produced annually, this wine is a rare expression of the Casaloste estate's expertise and passion.
How to Enjoy
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Pairing Suggestions: Perfectly suited to accompany robust dishes like red meats, aged cheeses, or traditional Tuscan cuisine such as Pappardelle al Cinghiale (wild boar pasta).
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Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16–18°C (60–64°F), to bring out its full bouquet and flavor profile.
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Aging Potential: Ready to enjoy now for its vibrant flavors or cellar for 10-15 years to develop even greater complexity.
Elevate your wine collection or dinner table with the Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. It's more than a wine; it's a story of heritage, sustainability, and Tuscan artistry bottled to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Grand Selection?
Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Grand Selection is a premium wine from Tuscany, Italy, made under the strictest standards of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione classification. It is crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes and features a fruity, spicy, and harmonious profile with elegance and well-rounded tannins.
What distinguishes the Gran Selezione classification?
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines represent the top tier of production, requiring a minimum aging period of 30 months, estate-grown grapes, and approval by a tasting panel. These wines exhibit greater complexity, balance, and a refined structure than other Chianti Classico categories.
What are the flavor and aroma characteristics of this wine?
Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Grand Selection typically displays notes of red berries, violets, spice, and earthiness. It has a dry yet elegant structure with a rich texture and balanced acidity, making it a standout choice for wine connoisseurs.
What foods pair well with this wine?
This wine pairs excellently with Tuscan dishes, such as tomato-based pastas, hearty meats, aged cheeses, and dishes incorporating herbs like thyme or sage. Its balanced acidity and tannins complement savory and flavorful cuisines.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The ideal serving temperature for this wine is slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F (15–18°C). Decanting the wine for about 30–60 minutes before serving can enhance its aromatics and complexity.
How long can I age this wine?
Casaloste Don VincEnzo Chianti Classico Grand Selection is already aged for at least 30 months before release and can continue to develop in the bottle for an additional 10–15 years, depending on storage conditions, due to its robust tannic structure and acidity.
What sets Casaloste Don VincEnzo apart from other Chianti Classico wines?
This wine is distinctive because it is crafted under stricter Gran Selezione regulations, ensuring estate-grown grapes and extended aging. This results in a full-bodied, elegant wine with a depth of flavor and unparalleled balance that truly represents the terroir of Chianti Classico.
What makes the Chianti Classico region unique?
Chianti Classico is the historical heartland of Chianti and was the first delimited wine region in the world, dating back to 1716. Its terroir—a combination of hilly vineyards, well-draining soils, and a balanced climate—creates ideal conditions for producing exceptional Sangiovese-based wines.