Monsanto Tuscany Chianti Classico Riserva Wine, 750 ml

Flavor Profile

• Aroma: A captivating blend of ripe dark berries, cherries, and earthiness shaded by graphite, eucalyptus and cumin
• Taste: Balanced, rich, and well-structured. Offers deep flavors of blackberry, plum, and hints of spice
• Body: Dense, smooth and well-integrated tannins. Vibrant acidity enhances freshness and balance
• Finish: Long and memorable, leaving a lasting impression of red berry fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness

Overview

An accessible example of the unique style and character of Castello di Monsanto wines. This multi-faceted wine can be enjoyed straight away or left to develop and evolve as the years roll by. It is our most widely produced wine by far, underlining our winery’s belief in Sangiovese, which acquires a strength and energy from our soil that must be patiently awaited. One of the oldest wines in Italy, it appeared on the market in the 1960s and has become an ambassador for the entire denomination around the world.

Wine Facts

• First Year of Production: 1962
• Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino
• Training System: Guyot and spurred cordon
• Vinification: In temperature controlled truncated conical steel vats with emptying system (Délestage) and pumping over for about 18/20 days.
• Maturazione o Invecchiamento: One part aged in 3800 litre oak casks and the other in second passage tonneaux for around 18 months
• Ageing: Six months of bottle aging

Serving Recommendations

Keep in a cool and dry place away from extreme temperatures. Best if opened in advance and allowed to breathe- decanting is preferable. It is suggested to chill 30 minutes prior to serving.

Awards

• 94 points from the Wine Enthusiast in 2025
• 95 points from Wine Spectator in 2024
• 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck in 2024
• 92 points from Wine Spectator in 2024
• 94 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2023
• 94 points from James Suckling in 2023
• 93 points from Robert Parker in 2023
• 92 points from Wine Spectator in 2023
• 94 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2020

Company History

Castello di Monsanto is renowned for producing exceptional Italian red wines, owning some of the best vineyard sites within the appellation and boasting the largest reserves of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. The winery was founded in 1962 by Fabrizio Bianchi after receiving it as a wedding gift from his parents. That same year, Monsanto pioneered innovation in Italian red wine by creating the first Chianti Classico Cru from the single ‘Il Poggio’ vineyard and working to eliminate white grapes from the Chianti Classico Riserva blend. Further establishing its legacy in Italian red wine excellence, Monsanto harvested its first 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Nemo, in 1981 from the Il Mulino vineyard.

Today the beating hearts of Castello di Monsanto are Fabrizio and Laura Bianchi. They are the future and have preserved that impressive vision from 60 years ago. Their journey has been shaped with inspiration and choices that are not always easy and taking the road less traveled has made it more surprising albeit uncertain. Wine in Tuscany was not yet ready for a revolution. Audacity, determination, and foresight were key to pursuing ideas that might have seemed obscure at the time, but later played a large part in the history of Chianti Classico. Today Laura, Fabrizio's daughter, continues what her father, thanks to her grandfather Aldo, started, by transforming longstanding tradition with pride and tenacity. Because the future passes right through here: from what was built yesterday for a better tomorrow.

Sustainability

At Castello di Monsanto, sustainability is not just a practice but an ethical legacy, passed down from generation to generation. It reflects a commitment to the present by protecting the environment, natural resources, and social and cultural heritage, fueled by the Bianchi family's dedication and boundless love for their land. Top focus areas for us include:

• Guardians of the Environment
• Soil Stewardship
• Protecting Plant Health
• Energy
• Social Sustainability
• Diversity without Boundaries
• Support for Foreign Families
• International Solidarity Projects
• Landscape and Beauty
• Forest Stewardship
• Biodiversity
• Cultivating Beauty
• Terroir
• Site Planning
• Selection of Genetic Material