This generous red exhibits black cherry, plum, earth and tobacco flavors. Vibrant and solidly built, showing intensity and length on the fruit-, mineral- and spice-filled aftertaste, where dusty tannins leave their grip. Sangiovese, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo, Mazzese and Abrusco. Best from 2023 through 2038.

Sweet berries in the nose with pine needles, bark and some violets. Full-bodied with very tight, firm tannins that provide linear tension and focus. The finish shows lots of cherry and mahogany character. Chewy, but fine-tannined. Drink or hold.

The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio has some faded fruit (and a lighter ruby color) as a result of the hot vintage. There is dried cherry, crème de cassis and baked plum. Savory spice and earthy tones also appear. However, the wine bounces back to life in the palate thanks to natural acidity from high-elevation vineyards (located at 450 to 470 meters above sea level) and gentle tannins. The blend is 80% Sangiovese with 20% complementary grapes, including Abrusco (a wild cousin of Colorino), Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo and Mazzese. Surprisingly, the alcohol content at 13.5% is less compared to 2018. Best After 2022