Castello di Meleto, Chianti Classico 2021

93 points Wine Spectator
“Sleek and saturated with blackberry, black cherry and pomegranate flavors, this red has density and polished tannins. Balance is this version's hallmark, with hints of mineral, spices and cocoa powder lining the long aftertaste. Drink now through 2033. 10,416 cases made, 2,050 cases imported.”

91 points Vinous
“The 2021 Chianti Classico is gorgeous. Bright and vibrant, the 2021 is an absolute joy. Freshly cut roses, chalk, mint, orange peel and white pepper add an attractive upper register to this mid-weight, sculpted Chianti Classico. This poised, articulate Chianti Classico is a winner.”

Vinous Reverie Notes
The grapes for this wine are sourced from 3 different vineyards to bring more complexity and balance to the finished product. Planted in 2002, the Meleto Vineyard is located closest to the castle. Reaching an altitude of 370 meters, it is the hottest and most sheltered from the wind with the soil being mostly clay and rich in stone. The soils here consist of Alberese, Arenaria, clay, and Galestro. Planted in 2000, the Poggiarso Vineyard’s unique possitioning provides this site with extreme climatic conditions as do the slopes of the vineyard which reaches an altitude of 530 meters. The Sangiovese yields are low in this vineyard but produce high quality wines with noteworthy aromas thanks to the temperature changes between day and night, especially during the summer months. The soil is clay with large amounts of limestone and marl. Located in the valley below the medieval village of Vertine at an altitude of 420 meters, the Casi Vineyard is surrounded by wooded land, ensuring the temperate climate of this vineyard. Original plantings began in 1998, Sangiovese, cultivated using the traditional alberello vine training method, is the main variety planted here and finds the combined conditions of hot soil and cool climate, ideal. The soils here consist of clay, sandstone, and galestro. Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red. Marked notes of cherry, typical of the grape, with hints of floral and spice. Velvety, enveloping palate with rounded tannins. Good structure with an excellent balance and long full finish.