The vineyards of Castello di Monsanto lie at an 800 to 1000 foot elevation at Barberino Val d’Elsa on the western edge of the Chianti Classico district. By Tuscan standards, it is a new estate – founded in 1962, but it has grown in fame over its 60+ years due to the quality of the wine. The 2019 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva is a lovely example of the beauty and purity of Sangiovese. The nose shows red cherry and plum scents with hints of violets, tobacco, dried mushrooms and subtle baking spices. The red cherry and plum fruits play out across the palate and are enhanced by elements of black cherry, earth, tobacco and spice. This is a stellar Classico, an exciting Chianti, with the brightness and purity that defines the best of the appellation.
Castello di Monsanto, Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2019
By Wayne Belding