Dark cherry

balanced and overtly austere finish

not the least of which is a unique terrain where the two main soil types of the Langhe – the sandier composition of the western part of the zone and the more compact terrain of the eastern parts – are found in alternating layers

but integrated

and touches of glycerine and graphite that are well-defined but persistently broody

Monsanto, Il Poggio Gran Selezione Brut Zero Dark cherryThe Castello di Monsanto 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio shows dark fruit and baked plum with a hint of barbecue spice or campfire ash. That barbecued or savory side runs strong in this vintage and is the result of a warm growing season coupled with the beginning of tertiary complexity (albeit slightly premature). I also get a hint of sweetness to close that makes a good contrast against that savory element. This wine is 95%