Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [WS 96, #11 Top 100 of 2023] [WA 94] [JS 94] [RV 94]

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

Gran Selezione is the newest quality designation to have been added to the DOCG classification system in Chianti Classico. Gran Selezione takes quality controls a step further than Riserva-- which previously occupied the top tier-- by banning the use of any purchased, or non-estate-grown fruit, in the inclusion of a wine labeled Gran Selezione. This coupled with longer aging requirements (30 months minimum) and minimum levels of alcohol set to 13% designates a band of wines from Chianti Classico producers representative of the appellation's highest quality potential with often limited availability.

About the Vineyard

Castello di Bossi's Gran Selezione is precisely that-- a selection of the best quality fruit grown across the Bacci family's Castelnuovo Berardenga estate in any given vintage.  Whilst this wine will always contain a portion of fruit sourced from the noble Corbaia Vineyard, different areas of the estate may feature in the cuvee depending on the weather conditions and ripening observed over the course of a vintage growing season.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate and saddle leather.  On the palate the wine is fleshy and dense.  The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years. 

Varietal composition: 100% Sangiovese

Aging: 30 months in French oak

14.5% ABV

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"There’s purity to the cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and herb aromas and flavors in this solidly built red, which shows excellent balance and length. The muscular finish begs for more time for the beautiful fruit to assimilate. Best from 2025 through 2042. 1,700 cases made, 800 cases imported." -BS (Web Only 2023)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"You drive through a postcard-perfect panorama of cypress-lined roads and sun-lit farmhouses as you approach the tiny hamlet of Bossi on the southern side of the appellation. The organic Castello di Bossi 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione reveals a dark core of black fruit that is surrounded by flinty mineral, spice and black licorice. This wine should become even silkier and softer with more bottle age. Drink 2023-2035."

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Lots of blackberry, black-cherry and lavender aromas with some sage. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and polished red. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold." (8/8/22)

94 Points - Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com:
"Exuberant and classic in the sensory profile showing notes of red prunes, coriander, linden, incense and vetiver. Medium to full bodied, very smoothed tannins and a sunny finish, rich in positivity. Better from 2025."