Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015
Castello di Meleto produces wines exclusively from estate-owned grapes. 70% of the grapes are harvested by hand, a choice influenced by two factors: the slope of land that at points reaches extreme levels and the commitment to selecting only the best fruit. With vineyards extending over 160 hectares, only the best grapes are selected for the wines bearing the Castello di Meleto brand. The bunches destined for these flagship wines undergo a rigorous first and second selection: the first in the vineyard at the time of harvest and the second on the sorting table, where each bunch is manually checked by expert operators. Perfectly healthy grapes allow for reduced sulfur dioxide use and spontaneous fermentation, triggered by indigenous yeasts present on the grapes. This reflects Castello di Meleto’s commitment to respecting the work carried out in the vineyard and minimally intervening in the cellar.
The wine ferments in truncated oak vats. After the maceration it is transferred directly into barriques where the malolactic fermentation occurs and frequent batonnage is performed. Aging takes place in barriques of second and third usage. The maturation period varies from 24 to 30 months according to the vintage. Minimum aging of 6 months in the bottle.
The Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is the greatest expression of our single-varietal Sangiovese. This is a limited production wine coming from individual parcels located within the Casi and San Piero vineyards. The constant minerality present in our wines is matched here by a gentle power, extraordinary both on the nose and palate. This wine has a great capacity for aging; only time will reveal its unique characteristics.The 2015 vintage is one of the best of the last 50 years, with a mild spring and hot, dry summer making for exceptional ripening and yields.
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Sangiovese |
| Appellation | Chianti Classico DOCG |
| Vineyard | Casi and San Piero vineyards |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | ITALY |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Beginning to develop some mature characteristics, this red reveals cherry, strawberry, leather, tobacco, earth and iron flavors. Shows harmony between the sweet fruit and refined tannins, ending in a kaleidoscope of fruit, mineral and tobacco accents. Best from 2021 through 2036. - Wine Spectator, 95 pts
I had the opportunity to visit the stunning Castello di Meleto on my last trip to Gaiole in Chianti, and I fell in love with the frescoed rooms, panoramic gardens and the miniature actors' theater. You can see a sketch of the outside walls of this magnificent architectural masterpiece on the front label of this wine. You might also notice the date of the Castello's founding—in faraway 1256. Imagine, if you can, what the world was like back then. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione offers a traditional rendering of the Sangiovese grape. It takes care to highlight the aromatic intensity of the variety, with rose, violet, wild berry and potting soil. It also showcases the grape's characteristic mid-weight build and fresh acidity. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 pts
