2010 Badia a Passignano - Chianti Classico
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Tasting notes
100% Sangiovese, approximately 14 months in 300 litre and 225 litre Hungarian and 225 litre French oak barriques plus 12 months bottle ageing. Hungarian oak seems popular at this address. Cool and fresh on the nose with much more concentration on the palate than for many of these wines. Perhaps that is the character sought by the Gran Selezione selectors? Sort of halfway to Brunello. Quite a bit of tannin still. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Renzo Cotarella is one of a handful of people who believe that the Gran Selezione category should be 100% Sangiovese. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is an elegant and seamless mono-variety expression that shows loads of Sangiovese character in this classic vintage. Aged only in large oak casks, the wine sports fresh berry flavors with sweet tannins and a long, velvety finish. I feel that this wine might get buried between the many other products offered by Marchesi Antinori. I hope not because ultimately the Gran Selezione offers very specific, territory-driven qualities that set it apart.
Antinori's 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is laced with red cherry, plum, leather, tobacco and smoke. Layered and impeccably balanced in the glass, the 2010 impresses for its texture and exceptional sense of harmony. In this vintage, the Badia is dark, voluptuous and built on pure resonance. This is a terrific showing from Antinori.
About the producer
Marchesi Antinori is a leading Italian producer, historically based in Tuscany, who rose to fame after creating Tignanello – one of the first Super Tuscans . Combining tradition and innovation to craft fine wine, the family-owned firm has been a force in the Italian wine industry for over 600 years.