Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio 1995 750ml

The 1995 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is approaching its full maturity, and yet there is something about its profile that is so undeniably appealing. Dried rose petal, mint, orange peel, coffee and cedar lend exotic beauty to this fleshy, curvy Chianti Classico. I love the depth, balance and overall harmony. I would prefer to drink the 1995 over the next few years, as it appears to be peaking. This is a very beautiful and expressive Il Poggio from a vintage that was highly regarded at the time, and that continues to show well. This was the first Il Poggio aged entirely in French oak, the approach the estate used until 2001.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Appellation: Chianti Classico
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Sangiovese

The name of this grape, meaning ‘blood of Jove’ conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively ”“ full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.