Castello La Leccia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (Tuscany, Italy) 2015

 Gran Selezione, a category introduced a decade ago, sits at the pinnacle of the Chianti Classico quality pyramid, above Riserva.  To qualify for this distinction, the wine must come from the producer’s estate — no purchased grapes allowed — be aged for a minimum of 30 months, and receive approval from a tasting panel.  It’s meant to be a producer’s flagship Chianti Classico.  Castello La Leccia, a consistent producer, makes a wonderful array of Chianti Classico wines.  Their 2015 Bruciagna, reflecting the ripeness of the vintage, is powerful, youthful and, importantly, balanced. In short, nothing is out of place.  Savory and fruity elements act as a foil for one another.  Good acidity keeps it bright, no small feat in 2015.  I would give it a few years in the cellar while you drink La Leccia’s regular Chianti Classico.