From the Casetto vineyard, Famiglia Cecchi reveals the authentic character of Chianti Classico Sangiovese with a vertical tasting that highlights its evolution and longevity

Villa Rosa, the Cecchi family estate nestled amidst the rolling hills of Castellina in Chianti, proudly presents a vertical tasting of five extraordinary vintages – 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2015 – of Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione. This is more than a journey through time, tracing the evolution and longevity of the wine; it is, above all, a celebration of the distinctive character of the Casetto vineyard, the crown jewel of the estate. Since its acquisition in 2015, Villa Rosa has pursued an unwavering commitment to uncovering the most authentic expression of Sangiovese. It is an ambitious endeavor rooted in a terroir already renowned for its exceptional wines, aiming to honor every nuance of Sangiovese while upholding the tradition of excellence that defines this historic region.

Andrea Cecchi, the fourth generation leading Cecchi and the Cecchi family estates, explains: “The purchase of Villa Rosa in 2015 was a pivotal decision for me, inspired by the introduction of the Gran Selezione as the highest tier of quality by the Consorzio. I felt the need to create the finest Sangiovese, one that is both authentic and long-lived, choosing vineyards with exceptional potential to represent the essence of our region. We quickly realized that the finest, most elegant, and enduring expression of our Sangiovese comes from the Casetto vineyard. That’s why we decided to dedicate production entirely to this vineyard, selecting only the very best parcels for our Gran Selezione. Over the years, we’ve focused on maximizing the potential of the terroir, with minimal intervention in the cellar.”

Villa Rosa’s Gran Selezione is a true expression of the profound connection between Sangiovese and the Chianti Classico region, finding its ideal environment in the Casetto vineyard. Situated at an altitude of 425 meters with a west-facing exposure, the vineyard benefits from a distinctive microclimate that ensures optimal ripening of the Sangiovese grapes. Set within the historic Sant’Agnese cypress grove, the vineyard benefits from more than just a picturesque setting—the grove plays a vital role in moderating summer heat and balancing temperature fluctuations. The alberese and galestro-rich soil enhances the wine with complexity and vibrant minerality, shaping a Sangiovese of exceptional finesse and persistence.

“The winemaking process has remained largely unchanged over time, as we believe it’s not about heavy intervention in the cellar but about understanding and interpreting the vineyard. Each vintage is unique, bringing both challenges and opportunities to allow the vineyard and Sangiovese to reveal their true character. Our philosophy requires listening to the vineyard, identifying the right moment to harvest and bringing out the purest expression of our grapes.” – says Miria Bracali, Villa Rosa’s winemaker.

WEATHER TREND AND TASTING NOTES

• 2015 Vintage – The season featured highly consistent weather, with a cold, dry winter, a wet spring, and a warm summer characterized by excellent diurnal temperature variation. August rains further optimized the ripening of Sangiovese. This vintage stands out for its intense bouquet of cherries preserved in spirits and spices, a vertical palate structure, vibrant tannins, and remarkable persistence.
• 2016 Vintage – Mild and relatively dry autumn and winter months transitioned into a sunny spring, which advanced bud break by 8–10 days compared to the historical average. Summer was warm and dry, with ideal harvest conditions that ensured perfect ripening for Sangiovese. The resulting wine is complex and harmonious, with a bouquet of red fruit and toasted nuances, complemented by soft and velvety tannins, delivering elegance, strong identity, and lasting persistence on the palate.
• 2017 Vintage – A mild winter and spring led to early bud break, though a late April frost caused a slight reduction in yields. The summer was hot and dry, but September rains restored balance to the vines, ensuring good ripening. The 2017 vintage is marked by balance, with well-integrated tannins and a fresh, savory finish.
• 2019 Vintage – A cold winter followed by a rainy spring set the stage for a moderate summer with steady temperatures, creating ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. The resulting wine is rich, offering aromas of cherries preserved in spirits, black cherry, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity.

2020 Vintage – Cool spring temperatures and regular rainfall gave way to a warm, extended summer with pronounced diurnal temperature variation. These favorable conditions allowed for perfect ripening of Sangiovese, yielding a Gran Selezione with a vibrant floral bouquet, notes of red fruit, and a savory, persistent, and lingering finish.

VINIFICATION AND AGING

For each vintage, the grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted through a double selection process to ensure only the finest quality. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a maceration period of approximately two weeks. The aging process varies depending on the vintage: the 2020, 2019, and 2017 wines spent 18 months in tonneaux and an additional 12 months in cement tanks, while the 2016 and 2015 wines were aged for 15 months in tonneaux and 3 months in cement tanks.