This post has been sponsored by San Felice. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.
I've a strange affinity for wines bottled "The Year the World Ended." Whenever I see a label marked "2020," my mind flashes back to empty city streets and pandemic anxieties. It's no wonder such bottles have become a niche collector's item. Today, we're reviewing one such bottle - San Felice's Poggio Rosso, a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020.
However, it wasn't just a pandemic that the Chianti DOCG was dealing with at the time. You see, an unseasonably mild winter, 'That Terrible Year,' led to an exceptionally early bud break by the end of March. This bud break was then, in turn, followed by sub-zero temperatures, severely impacting the grapes and dramatically reducing yields. As such, these bottles might be dubbed "true survivors" in all but the most literal sense of the word.
Regardless, Chianti is arguably one of the world's most beloved red wines, and Gran Selezione is the highest quality grade of Chianti. So, today's bottle should be a real treat. Let's uncork it and find out, shall we?
Wine Overview
Quick Facts
Winery: This wine is produced by the Tuscan-based winery San Felice, which has recently announced a new strategic collaboration with the acclaimed French oenologist Thomas Duclos. Thomas Duclos will be working as a consulting winemaker across San Felice's three Tuscan estates, in Chianti Classico, Campogiovanni in Montalcino, and Bell'Aja in Bolgheri. The Poggio Rosso ferments in wooden vats before spending 20-22 months in 500-litre tonneaux, after which the wine is blended and bottled, before being aged for a further 10-12 months.
- Grape Varietal: 100% Sangiovese.
- ABV: The Poggio Rosso 2020 is 15% alcohol by volume.
- Price: Roughly $90USD (prices can and do vary by outlet, region, and availability).
- Bottles Produced: 8,000
- Aging Potential: About twenty to twenty-five years.
Region - Chianti Classico, Tuscany
The first Chianti wine zone dates back over three hundred years to 1716 courtesy of Grand Duke Cosimo Medici. Recognizably 'modern' Chianti, the 'style' or blending of Sangiovese that we all know and love today, dates back to the 1800s. In its current incarnation, the Chianti Classico DOCG covers the entirety of the area between Florence, at its northernmost extent, and Siena to the south. Sangiovese is beloved for its firm tannins, violet and red fruit aromatics, and flavors of cherry, plum, and herbs. To qualify as "Gran Selezione," Chianti Classico wines must contain at least 80% Sangiovese, Tuscany's defining grape. The remaining 20% can include native or international varieties such as - (in no particular order) Merlot, Canailo, Colorino, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's soil and elevations, combined with its Mediterranean climate, contribute to wines that are both richly structured and yet elegant. Chianti Classico divides its wines into several quality tiers. These include Annata (standard vintage), Riserva (aged at least 24 months), and Gran Selezione (the highest classification, aged at a minimum of 30 months from estate-grown grapes).
Aromatic and Tasting Notes
On the Nose
The 2020 Poggio Rosso introduces itself with characteristic notes of ripe red and juicy black fruit. Sliced red cherry is at the forefront, and laced with background notes of fresh-cut tobacco leaf. Dried herbs manifest deeper into the glass, with hints of spice and currants, with just a hint of leather towards the bottom of the glass. Lingering over the aromatics, there's a hint of lavender or violet - or perhaps that's me staying too long on the nose. This is a layered and complex bouquet that serves as an excellent example of a characteristic Gran Selezione.
On the Palate
On the palate, the wine is richly textured and features a bright acidity, carrying mixed dark berries, juicy plum, and just a hint of cranberry.
Finish
The wine's finish is long, with copious tannins and a lasting minerality. Elegant, refreshing, and simply pleasant, the finish assuredly does not overstay its welcome.
Food Pairings
- Grilled Steaks: Chianti has had a lasting love affair with grilled steaks. The two are a match made in heaven due to Chianti's robust tannins and bright acidity.
- Tuscan Cuisine: This one should be obvious, but Tuscan cuisine pairs deliciously with Tuscan wine. That means dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak) or wild boar ragu.
- Aged Cheese: Try pairing this wine alongside a cheeseboard featuring hard, sharp cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino, preferably with cured meats, olives, and either crusty bread or bruschetta.
- Mushroom Risotto: In my opinion, the earthy flavors of a rich mushroom risotto would harmonize beautifully with this wine.
- Pasta with Tomato-based Sauce: Whether it's a classic Bolognese, a spicy marinara, or a simple lasagna. In general, this wine is delicious alongside a hearty tomato or a nice meat-based sauce.
- A Wild Card: Straying a bit from Italian cuisine, I could definitely see this wine being a delicious accompaniment to a Moussaka prepared with seasoned lamb and a rich bechamel.
Wine Score and Verdict
The Score
I'll award today's bottle a venerable 96 out of 100. This bottle is an excellent example of the very best qualities to look for in Chianti and was a joy to review.
Who is this wine for?
This wine is, in my opinion, primarily for enthusiasts and collectors who wish to experience - or collect - the very best of what Chianti Classico has to offer. This wine is also for anyone looking to expand their cellar, as this wine will age gracefully for the next twenty to twenty-five years.
Where to Buy
Admittedly, the 2020 vintage of Poggio Rosso is a bit harder to find than other years, such as the 2016, so I would recommend buying directly from San Felice.
And that's our review of the 2020 Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. If you tried this wine or enjoyed our review, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.
Cheers!
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