The Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 is an exceptional red wine that perfectly encapsulates the elegance and tradition of Tuscany’s most prestigious appellation. This Gran Selezione represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico, exclusively crafted from the estate’s finest parcels. The blend is dominated by Sangiovese, often accompanied by small portions of indigenous varieties, which imparts the wine its structure, vibrancy, and expressive bouquet. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a balanced growing season, marked by a warm, dry summer and timely rainfall, resulting in grapes of outstanding ripeness and aromatic intensity. The vinification involves meticulous harvesting, gentle pressing, and ageing in French oak barrels, yielding a wine with refined tannins, layered complexity, and great ageing potential.
Chianti Classico is situated between Florence and Siena, at the heart of Tuscany. This historic region boasts a favourable Mediterranean climate: warm sunny days, cool nights, and a significant temperature variance that enhances the aromatic development of the grapes. The unique galestro and alberese soils—comprised of limestone and marl—contribute minerality, finesse, and depth to the wines. The area’s winemaking heritage dates back to the Etruscans and was later formalised under the Medici, positioning Chianti Classico as a benchmark for Italian viticulture.
For food pairing, this robust, tangy red is ideally matched with classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), wild boar ragù, or aged pecorino cheese. It also works harmoniously with roast lamb, grilled vegetables, or a rich mushroom risotto, as the wine’s acidity and well-integrated tannins enhance both meat and umami flavours.
To appreciate all its intricacies, serve the Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019 at 16-18°C. Consider decanting it for an hour before serving to allow the bouquet of black cherry, violet, wild herbs and spice to fully express themselves, revealing the wine’s remarkable balance and depth.
