IL Grigio Da San Felice 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, $32.29-$37.99, 92 points, poured a deep maroon grading blood red toward the leggy glass wall and clear wine ring..
The lovely spiced black cherry and nuanced leather aromas impressed.
Medium-plus bodied with mouth-watering acidity and vibrant tannins carried rich bourbon flavors with anise, truffle, and mint notes.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spices, oak notes, and a warm 14% alcohol.
Varietals were 80% Sangiovese, 20% Abrusco, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo, and Mazzese.
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Dennis, allow me to rant! And rant I will! This wine illustrates exactly what is wrong with the Consorzio and the Gran Selezione. You've got a wine made from 6!! different grapes. 6! What happens when someone buys this, likes it, and then goes and buys another "GS" that is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Syrah or Merlot? Or worse yet - what if the scenario is reversed? Ya think someone might be disappointed in the way the San Felice tastes? And this is just the grapes we're talking about. This says nothing about the wine style as it can be impacted by things like barrique vs. botte, cement versus oak versus stainless steel, and those things don't even account for the differences in terroir.
ReplyDeleteWhen I covered the premiere tasting for Gran Selezione, many of the wines were amazing. Tons of them were different. I counted 11 different grape varieties being used in the wines I tasted that day. How can you build a brand like that?
I applaud the Consorzio's intent with the GS designation, but I think they missed the mark here. Hmmmm, maybe I'll turn this little rant into a blog post! :)
John, rant away. As for me, I don't, maybe I should, have a "dog in this fight"; my much maligned concentration on simply enjoying a wine and journaling my experience, rather than pretending that I know more than I do (you are an EXPERT), is all I really have to offer, but the forum is here, and those interested are now educated.
DeleteMany have no clue to just how much work and time bloggers put into their hobby/vocation; Thank you for taking the time!
Well Dennis, by now you may know that I turned my rant into a full fledged article! You know, you're right about the time spent, but it's enjoyable even if it is a passion/obsession/addiction. I love it and that's when I do it. Thank you too mate. You were inspirational today for sure. (and certainly not the only time)
ReplyDelete:-)
DeleteThanks, John!