Spire Collection Tenuta di Arceno "Strada al Sasso" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018

Alcohol: 14.5%

Grape(s): Sangiovese

Localization: Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Tasting Notes: Considered a legendary vintage for its small yields, 2017 produced intense, concentrated wines with vibrant acidity. The wine has powerful fruit and incredible depth. On the nose, the wine demonstrates a playful banter between fruit and herbal tones with aromas of ripe cherry, violets, cedar and herbs jumping out of the glass; it shows a wine that is savory with soft fruit around a twisting chain of acidity. The palate follows with flavors of blueberry, vanilla bean and sweet mint, with bright acidity still carrying the tasting experience. Soft tannins bring the finish to tones of white pepper, black licorice and Tenuta di Arceno’s signature orange peel.

96 Points James Suckling: Lots of licorice and blackberry aromas with violets and hints of fresh leather. Full-bodied with very fine-grained tannins that give the wine length and depth. So well crafted and long. Really excellent. Elegance with power. Drinkable now, but give it a year or three to show its real excellence. Best after 2023.

Food pairing: Pair this wine alongside wild boar pappardelle, Asiago, Manchego, roasted chicken, and tortellini with Bolognese.

The Domain: Tenuta di Arceno is an ancient Tuscan estate with a diverse portfolio of the highest quality wines across two classification levels – three wines centered on the native Sangiovese grape in the Chianti Classico DOCG collection; and three wines celebrating the estate’s international varieties under the Toscana IGT designation. The estate is situated at the southernmost edge of Chianti Classico in the butterfly-shaped commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, closest in proximity to Siena and rightfully referred to as ‘the most Senese Chianti Classico. It’s home to other world-renowned producers and stylistically distinct from counterparts to the north.

The estate is 1,000 total hectares (2,500 acres) of which 90 hectares (220 acres) are planted to vines – the remaining land is preserved for native vegetation including 50 hectares (125 acres) of olive orchards. Separated into 63 distinct vineyard blocks, the vineyards are planted to 50% Sangiovese and 50% international varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The ancient walled town of San Gusmè provides a breathtaking backdrop for the vineyards of Tenuta di Arceno.