Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019
Castello di Bossi · Tuscany, Italy
At a glance
- Producer
- Castello di Bossi
- Region
- Tuscany, Italy
- Grape variety
- Sangiovese (with minor Colorino, Malvasia Nera)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $40-$60 USD (varies by market and importer)
Tasting profile
Ripe cherry, black plum, savory herbs, tobacco, violets, spice. Vibrant acidity and fairly prominent but polished tannins.
Evolution: Will develop softer tannins, more tertiary notes (earth, leather, forest floor), and integrated fruit intensity over next 5+ years.
At peak: Nuanced, balanced, with silky tannins and pronounced complexity by late 2020s.
Structure
- Acidity
- Bright, classic for Chianti Classico
- Tannins
- Medium-high, ripe but grippy
- Alcohol
- Typically 13.5-14% ABV
- Aging potential
- 8-12 years from vintage, depending on storage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2026 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2032
- Current status
- Approachable but youthful; some bottle age present, will improve further
- Current condition
- Structured, vibrant fruit, youthful tannins—approaching optimal drinkability
Gran Selezione bottlings from top producers like Castello di Bossi are intended for extended aging, with 5-10 years post-vintage being optimal for peak aromatic and structural harmony. The 2019 vintage was very good in Tuscany, promising balance and longevity.
Food pairing
Classic pairings include bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb, game birds, aged pecorino, wild mushroom risotto, and hearty pasta dishes with tomato or wild boar ragu.
Serving
- Decant
- Yes (30 minutes) — The medium-high tannins and youthful structure of the 2019 vintage benefit from aeration to soften the grip and enhance the wine's aromatic complexity.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Vineyards farmed using sustainable practices: extensive use of cover crops, limited synthetic chemical inputs, water-conserving irrigation, solar energy utilized for some estate operations, lightweight glass for bottling.
Castello di Bossi has a clear commitment to sustainable vineyard management and reduced chemical use. They have implemented measures like lightweight bottles, solar energy, and water conservation, but do not carry full organic or biodynamic certifications. The carbon footprint reflects responsible local practices but is elevated when exported outside Europe. Overall, the estate is considered above average in sustainability among traditional Tuscan producers but does not attain the highest certification levels.