2018 Verrazzano - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello (750ml)

Castello di Verrazzano occupies a hilltop estate in Greve in Chianti that has produced wine since ancient Etruscan and Roman times, and later served as home to the explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, credited with the first European sighting of New York Bay. Owners Luigi and Silvia Cappellini have farmed the property organically since 2014, continuing the estate's long-standing role as a founding member of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico. The vineyards sit at unusually high elevations for the region, between 920 and 1,300 feet, on limestone soils rare for this cooler, northern stretch of Chianti Classico.

Sassello comes from a single organically farmed parcel on the highest point of the Querciolina vineyard, hand harvested in early October. The grapes ferment in small batches at closely controlled temperatures, with skin contact lasting fifteen to seventeen days and frequent pumping over to build color and structure. The wine then ages in new barriques made from Allier and Vosges oak, a departure from the older Slavonian barrels used for the estate's other bottlings, before further time resting in bottle.

The 2018 shows an intense ruby red color with purple highlights and a persistent nose of cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, underscored by oak and vanilla. The palate is elegant and complex, with closely woven, silky tannins and a long, spice-tinged finish. Pair it with grilled lamb, roasted duck, or a rich beef stew.