Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
In 2007 Querciabella embarked upon a Single-cru project to identify their best vineyards in Chianti Classico. Through the finest winemaking practices and ideal maturation, the intention was to reflect the particular influence of origin on the texture, flavour, and character of the resulting Sangiovese bottlings'. Vintage after vintage, they have continued to explore the qualities of Sangiovese discreetly but determinedly, advocating for a change in the rules that govern the Chianti Classico appellation that would allow the provenance of the vineyard under the emblem of the Black Rooster. Subsequently, 2017 was the first release of Querciabella Gran Selezione, pure Sangiovese with a vital connection to a specific vineyard site. Its unique character captures the Genius Loci of the hillside of Ruffoli, on the eastern side of the valley above Greve in Chianti, whilst depicting a grander portrait of Chianti Classico itself. At the winery the Sangiovese grapes are gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Once the fermentation is complete, the cap is fully submerged using the traditional Piemontese technique, with full skin contact for about five weeks. Malolactic fermentation naturally occurs in French oak barriques and tonneaux; then, the wine is racked into bigger oak vessels (25–30 hl) for smoother integration and tannin development where it matures slowly for a further 18 months. 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. This complex and articulate wine is drinking beautifully at present but will benefit from time in the bottle evolving graciously for well over a decade.
