Tolaini 'Vigna Montebello Sette' Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020

Winemaking

Tolaini is a small family estate in Chianti Classico dedicated to expressing the elegance and complexity of Sangiovese through thoughtful vineyard management and restrained winemaking. The producer believes in letting the terroir speak, using careful oak aging to enhance rather than overpower the wine's natural character.

Tasting Notes

This Gran Selezione opens with inviting aromas of dark cherry and plum, accented by a whisper of violet and carefully integrated oak. On the palate, you'll find a refined structure built on layers of red fruit, tobacco leaf, and mineral character, with silky tannins and bright acidity that keeps everything in balance. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering spice and earthy undertones that suggest the wine's complexity will develop further over time.

Producer

Tolaini operates as an artisanal estate within the heart of Chianti Classico, focusing on quality over quantity with meticulous attention to each vineyard block. The winery's Gran Selezione designation reflects only the finest selections from their best vineyards, aged in oak to achieve the structure and depth that distinguish this tier from standard Chianti Classico.

Terroir

The Vigna Montebello vineyard sits in Chianti Classico's renowned territory, where Sangiovese thrives on the region's signature blend of clay and limestone soils. The Tuscan climate—warm days tempered by elevation and cool nights—allows Sangiovese to ripen fully while maintaining the acidity and mineral precision that defines the appellation's best expressions.

Food Pairings

Try this with pan-seared duck breast finished with a cherry gastrique, or grilled lamb chops with rosemary and black olive tapenade. For a more relaxed pairing, it's excellent alongside a well-made Bolognese over pappardelle, where its tannins and acidity cut through the richness beautifully.