Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Strada al Sasso Gran Selezione is a layered and elegant wine. Aromas of fresh mint, bay leaf and wild roses are supported by secondary notes of ripe strawberry and black pepper spice. The mouthfeel is complex, full of soft tannins and racy acidity that bears the signature of classic Sangiovese. Integrated flavors of tart cherry and dried cranberry are prominent on the palate, rounded out by an herbaceous finish of thyme and licorice with subtle notes of fresh orange peel.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A well-driven, composed, textured and focused gran selezione. The nose shows aromas of dark cherries, dark plums, grilled herbs, chestnuts and baking spices. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Dense and vibrant at the center, thanks to a lift of spices and dried herbs kicking in. Focused and well defined, with a long, flavorful finish. Try after 2025.
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Wine Spectator
Packed with fresh black cherry, blackberry and black currant fruit, this red is smooth and enticing. Mineral, eucalyptus and tobacco elements add complexity, while the lively acidity drives the long finish. Offers terrific balance. A compelling red.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The dark ruby 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Strada Al Sasso is lush with aromas of black raspberry liqueur, fresh lavender, toasted cedar, and forest floor. The palate is plush and expansive while retaining good freshness at this early stage, and the wine has a rounded mouthfeel, with its more blue-fruited notes shining through the long finish.
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Decanter
Sourced from a single 2ha block of Sangiovese, this 2021 Strada al Sasso has a gorgeous nose of fleshy, balsamic cherries which leads into an equally forward and fleshy palate of succulent, sapid red and black fruits. Fine, chalky tannins underline this vibrancy, while herbal and balsamic notes provide lift. Salinity emerges on the mid-palate and extends the fragrant dried cherry and herb finish. It's focused and vertical despite the opulence and fleshiness on display, and remains in balance even with its 15% alcohol.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
One of the first wine regions anywhere to be officially recognized and delimited, Chianti Classico is today what was originally defined simply as Chianti. Already identified by the early 18th century as a superior zone, the official name of Chianti was proclaimed upon the area surrounding the townships of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany in an official decree in 1716.
However, by the 1930s the Italian government had appended this historic zone with additonal land in order to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn’t until 1996 that Chianti Classico became autonomous once again when the government granted a separate DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) to its borders. Ever since, Chianti Classico considers itself no longer a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos are today made of 100% Sangiovese but can include up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico borders. The best Classicos will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and be full-bodied with plenty of ripe fruit (plums, black cherry, blackberry). Also common among the best Classicos are expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic or tobacco.