2013 Chianti Classico Fonterutoli Gran Selezione

The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is a wine of power, volume and textural intensity, done in an especially racy, flamboyant style. There is terrific depth to the sweet red cherry and pomegranate fruit. At the same time, the oak is in my view a bit overdone. My impression is that the Gran Selezione could be a meaningfully better wine.

The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli is an exceptionally balanced and smooth red wine that is the result of a complicated fruit-blending process. Some 36 biotypes of Sangiovese are used in the mix and are harvested from 120 single vineyard parcels with primarily Alberese and Galestro limestone soils. It is made from 92% Sangiovese, and 8% Malvasia Nera and Colorino. The bouquet offers bold cherry and plum with spice and soft tobacco.