Rocca delle Macìe, Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione (Tuscany, Italy) 2016

 As with their superb Chianti Classico Riserva, “Sergioveto,” Rocca delle Macìe has tweaked the style of their Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Sergio Zingarelli.”  They reduced the oak aging and eliminated the Colorino, so the 2016 is made entirely from Sangiovese.  As much as I liked their Sergioveto, their Gran Selezione “Sergio Zingarelli” sings even more.  Overall, the major difference is in its texture.  The Gran Selezione is glossier, more polished and more refined than their superb Sergioveto.  Cashmere versus lambswool.  The Gran Selezione comes across as slightly riper and lusher as well, but retains the same alluring hint of bitterness in the finish.  There’s plenty of structure, but without a trace of astringency.