Castello di Meleto, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2019

Producer Profile

Castello di Meleto has been a landmark for visitors to Gaiole, Chianti since 1256, thanks to its strategic position between Florence and Siena.

Yet it is in its most recent incarnation, under the guidance of Michele Contartese and his team of winemakers and viticulturists, that new life, vigour and unparalleled attention to detail has been brought to this imposing property. Today the estate produces authentic expressions of the Chianti Classico region – elegant and structured, with a freshness and minerality derived from its low-yielding, largely organic vineyards. The land of Castello di Meleto extends to 1,600ha, of which just 160ha are dedicated to viticulture. In recent years, greater understanding of the soils has led to the identification of five separate plots: Meleto, San Piero, Casi, Poggiarso and Moci.

Viticulture

Very strict operations in the vineyards and exceptional care is taken with shoot thinning, canopy management and pruning. Grapes are harvested by hand after selection in the vineyard and placed in 10 to 12kg crates. The selection of the grapes takes place in two different steps: the first one takes place directly in the vineyard, while the other one takes place on the sorting table in the cellar before destemming.

Winemaking

Grapes are chilled upon arrival into the cellar and de-stemmed before fermentation. The ageing takes place in tonneaux of 1st and 2nd use and mostly large 50hl barrels. The maturation period varies from 27 to 30 months. At least 6 months in bottle.

Tasting Note

Sublime aromas of black cherries, with a touch of sweet spice, vanilla, patisserie and the warmth of woody herbs. Tannins are fine grained, savoury and offer an easy framework on which to hang the deep fruit. Substantial, complex and satisfying … offering everything you’d want from Gran Selezione.

Food Matching

Perfect to accompany meat dishes, but also with soft or seasoned medium-intensity cheeses.

Awards