Castello di Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi Sangioveto Grosso 2018

Castello di Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi Sangioveto Grosso 2018 is a pure expression of Sangiovese from a single historic cru in the heart of Tuscany. Sourced from the famed “Scanni” vineyard, this IGT red captures both the elegance of great Chianti Classico terroir and the estate’s quietly rebellious spirit. Bottled in Burgundy-shaped bottles rather than the traditional Bordeaux style, it immediately signals its independent character and refined, terroir-driven style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Sangioveto Grosso shows a luminous, medium-deep ruby hue with garnet reflections beginning to form at the rim. The nose opens with vivid red cherries and ripe wild strawberries, followed by notes of dried rose petals, blood orange peel, and a hint of sweet tobacco. With air, more complex layers emerge: forest floor, cedar shavings, a touch of leather, and delicate spice. On the palate, the wine is silky yet tightly woven, displaying that classic Sangiovese structure: vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Flavors of sour cherry, red plum and pomegranate are framed by subtle notes of balsamic, savory herbs and a touch of graphite. Still youthful, the 2018 already drinks beautifully, but its balance and concentration suggest excellent aging potential over the next 10–15 years, developing deeper tertiary notes of leather, truffle and dried flowers with time in the cellar.

Production
The Sangioveto Grosso is sourced entirely from the “Scanni” vineyard, a single cru planted exclusively with Sangiovese in 1968—an audacious move at a time when Chianti Classico regulations discouraged such monocépage vineyards. The site benefits from classic Chianti Classico conditions: well-drained galestro and alberese soils, elevations that promote diurnal temperature shifts, and steady breezes that help maintain healthy grapes and slow, even ripening. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal phenolic maturity, enabling rigorous selection in the vineyard and at the sorting table. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels to preserve aromatics and varietal purity, followed by careful maturation in a mix of oak (often large casks and/or barriques) that refines the tannins without overwhelming the delicate Sangiovese fruit. The result is an IGT wine that combines finesse, depth and a distinctive sense of place.

Food & Serving
This refined Tuscan red is a superb match for classic Italian dishes: bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shank, roasted pork with herbs, or rich ragù-based pastas such as pappardelle al cinghiale. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle-infused dishes. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and freshness. For current drinking, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open; as it ages, a gentle decant to remove any sediment will be sufficient.

Producer
Castello di Monsanto is one of the benchmark estates of Chianti Classico, renowned for its pioneering role in elevating Sangiovese and Tuscan terroir to international acclaim. The estate gained early recognition for challenging traditional regulations and practices—most notably with single-vineyard plantings and the decision to bottle certain wines outside the strict DOCG framework. The Sangioveto Grosso from the Scanni vineyard epitomizes this innovative streak, born in 1968 as a vineyard planted entirely to Sangiovese when local rules still favored mixed plantings. Today, Castello di Monsanto is celebrated for its ageworthy reds, its meticulous vineyard work and cellar craftsmanship, and its lasting influence on the modern identity of Chianti Classico and Tuscan wine.