Bibbiano Vigna del Montorello Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019  £46.87

Bibbiano Vigna del Montornello Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Bibbiano is owned by the brothers Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi. It is one of the oldest estates in the Chianti Classico belonging to the same family. Their philosophy is based on responsibility and consistency. Responsibility for what they do for the earth, for the area and for the unique wines; consistency in following one’s vocation, respecting the nature of the territory and family traditions.

Bibbiano is located in the historic area of Chianti, in the municipality of Castellina in Chianti, and overlooks Val d’Elsa in the direction of the castle of Monteriggioni, in an area where vine cultivation has Etruscan and later Latin origins. On the edge of this immense natural and human heritage, since 1865 the family has continued the cultivation of vineyards and olive trees with passion, making it alive, modern and up-to-date thanks to an entrepreneurial tradition that has been handed down from father to son, and which has now reached the fifth generation.

Sangiovese for this is grown on the Montorello vineyard based on pliocene calcareous-clay sediments, with stratified limestone rock in the form of river pebbles, dissolved with blades of sand, chalk and red clay.  Fermentation takes place over 33 days in cement tanks then in aged for 24 months in a combination of cement and older French oak with a further 6 months in bottle before release.

The 2019 vintage had a mild winter; spring with frosts and frequent rains; hot yet breezy summer with timely rains; hot and dry autumn.  

The resulting wine is intense ruby red with garnet hues.  Aromas of sour black cherry, ripe red fruits with hints of underbrush and spice while the palate is densely structured and accompanied by a lively freshness and persistent flavour.

94 Points Robert Parker

Here is a classic and elegant wine from the heart of Tuscany. The Bibbiano 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigne di Montornello (a 15,000-bottle production) never veers far from the Sangiovese playlist. It shows bright cherry and tart wild fruit with forest floor, blue violets and hints of rust or soft gardening soil. Fermentation is longer in the case of this top-end wine, lasting 33 days on the skins in cement vats, and aging takes place in a combination of cement and French oak for 24 months. The cement is key to underlining elegance and freshness.

Monica Larner