Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio (1977)

About this wine

The 1977 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio from Castello di Monsanto offers a rich bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy spices. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of tart cherry and prune flavors, supported by bright acidity and smooth tannins. This wine showcases the exceptional aging potential of Sangiovese-based Chianti Classico, reflecting the favorable 1977 vintage conditions. The 1977 vintage was classified as extremely fine by the Chianti Classico Consortium, noting the wine's attractive color, alcohol level of about 12.8%, and average acidity.

About the grape

In the 1977 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino grapes played key roles. Sangiovese, the primary grape, is known for its bright acidity and cherry flavors, forming the backbone of Chianti wines. Canaiolo, traditionally used to soften Sangiovese's tannins, adds fruitiness and helps balance the wine. Colorino, valued for its deep color, contributes to the wine's rich hue and structure. Notably, Castello di Monsanto was among the first to exclude white grapes from their Chianti blend in 1968, focusing solely on these red varietals to enhance the wine's depth and aging potential.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1977 vintage of Castello di Monsanto's Il Poggio Chianti Classico Riserva is renowned for its exceptional quality, with the Chianti Classico Consortium classifying it as an extremely fine vintage.
• 🛢️ The 1977 Il Poggio was aged in 5,000-liter Slavonian oak casks for three years, followed by two years of bottle aging, contributing to its remarkable aging potential.
• 🍫 The 1977 vintage of Il Poggio is noted for its dark chocolate and dried fruit aromas, delivering a mouth-filling richness that expands seductively.
• 🏆 The 1977 vintage of Il Poggio is considered one of the best vintages of the 1970s, showcasing the wine's stunning capacity for aging.
• 🍇 The 1977 vintage of Il Poggio was produced from a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, reflecting the traditional grape composition of Chianti Classico wines.

Palate profile

Producer

Castello di Monsanto, located in Tuscany, Italy, was acquired by Aldo Bianchi in 1960 after he was captivated by the panoramic views of the Val d’Elsa from the estate. His son, Fabrizio Bianchi, took over in 1962, pioneering the production of the first single-vineyard Chianti Classico, 'Il Poggio,' and eliminating white grapes from the blend to focus on Sangiovese. The estate spans 72 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with Sangiovese, and features a remarkable 300-meter-long aging cellar constructed using medieval techniques. Today, Fabrizio's daughter, Laura Bianchi, continues the family's legacy, emphasizing sustainability and innovation in winemaking.