Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (2018)

About this wine

The 2021 Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Tenuta di Arceno is a 100% Sangiovese wine that showcases the best of Tuscany. It opens with aromas of fresh mint, bay leaf, and wild roses, followed by ripe strawberry and black pepper. On the palate, it offers tart cherry and dried cranberry flavors, complemented by thyme, licorice, and a hint of fresh orange peel. The wine's vibrant acidity and soft tannins provide a balanced structure, making it enjoyable now and suitable for aging. Sourced from a single vineyard block planted in 1998, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Chianti Classico region.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jupiter," is a grape variety deeply rooted in Italy's winemaking history, particularly in Tuscany. It has been cultivated for centuries, with records dating back to the 16th century. In the Chianti Classico region, Sangiovese is the primary grape, known for its ability to reflect the unique characteristics of the local terroir. The 2021 Tenuta di Arceno Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes sourced from a single vineyard block, showcasing the grape's adaptability and the winemaker's dedication to quality.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 2021 Strada al Sasso is crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes sourced from a single, windswept vineyard block within the La Porta vineyard, ensuring a unique expression of this varietal.
• 🌍 The vineyard's soils are a complex mix of 38% sandstone, 32% limestone, 30% loam, and galestro, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality and depth.
• 🏆 The 2021 vintage received high praise, with James Suckling awarding it 95 points, highlighting its aromas of dark cherries, dark plums, grilled herbs, chestnuts, and baking spices.
• 🍷 The wine undergoes meticulous vinification, including hand-picking, cold-soaking for four days, fermentation on skins for 16-20 days, and malolactic fermentation in barrels, enhancing its complexity and aging potential.
• 🌹 The 2021 Strada al Sasso is noted for its layered and elegant profile, featuring aromas of fresh mint, bay leaf, wild roses, ripe strawberry, and black pepper spice, with a complex palate of tart cherry, dried cranberry, thyme, and licorice.

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta di Arceno, located in Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan civilization, with the name 'Arceno' derived from the Etruscan word 'arché,' meaning 'origin point.' In 1504, the Del Taja family began expanding the estate, and in 1829, it was acquired by the Piccolomini family, who enhanced the property with gardens and villas. In 1994, the estate was purchased by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, marking one of their first ventures outside California. Today, Tenuta di Arceno spans 1,000 hectares, with 92 hectares dedicated to vineyards, and is renowned for producing exceptional wines that reflect its diverse terroir.