The Castello di Monsanto 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Il Poggio is a blend of 95% Sangiovese with smaller parts Canaiolo and Colorino aged in oak for 18 months. The Vigna Il Poggio measures 5.2 hectares and sees a mix of local soils, including pietraforte (a type of hardened sandstone that tends to make structural wines of depth). The wine opens to dark fruit aromas, light spice, grilled herb and integrated tannins, and it closes with tart fruit and nice freshness. This is an 18,000-bottle release.

Floral nose with pepper and tarragon. on the palate the wine shows spices, smoke, cured meat and ripe red fruit, showing evidence of bottle age.