# Stielle Gran Selezione (2019)

- **Producer:** Rocca di Castagnoli
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, red cherry, black cherry, cedar, coffee, chocolate, cloves, vanilla, tobacco, charcoal, black pepper, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Stielle Gran Selezione Rocca di Castagnoli 2019 is a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. It originates from the historic Stielle vineyard, situated on a Tuscan hillside between 500 and 580 meters in altitude. The vineyard's soils are characterized by Alberese with limestone-clay sequences. Rocca di Castagnoli, with a history dating back to the 18th century, is a large estate with significant vineyard holdings. The Stielle vineyard itself has a long-standing tradition of Sangiovese cultivation, with evidence of vines present since 1153. This wine is considered a premier selection from the estate, highlighting the exceptional quality of the Stielle vineyard.

## Interesting facts

- Stielle vineyard has documented Sangiovese cultivation dating back to 1153.
- The vineyard sits between 500-580 meters above sea level.
- Rocca di Castagnoli estate spans 850 hectares, with 100 dedicated to vineyards.
- The 2019 vintage received 94 points from James Suckling and 95 from Vinous.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body, firm tannins, and good acidity are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins in the meat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. Herbal notes in the food can complement the wine's savory undertones.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Stielle Gran Selezione begins with a maceration period of 12-20 days at approximately 24°C, utilizing native yeasts for fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in steel tanks. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 18 months in tonneaux and large barrels, followed by a further four months of maturation in large barrels after assembly. A minimum of 12 months of bottle aging is also required. The wine undergoes very wide filtration, which may result in natural sediment.