The Gran Selezione La Pieve di San Felice, the jewel in the crown of the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation, is a tribute to patience. It is a wine that accepts no compromises and requires time, dedication and extraordinary soil to express itself at its best. But let's proceed in order. We are in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southernmost part of the historic Gallo Nero area. Here, the Tuscan landscape becomes wild, with vineyards alternating with woods and ancient olive groves. The name “La Pieve” refers to San Felice, an ancient Romanesque church located right inside the estate. This place exudes a rural spirituality that is reflected in the work in the vineyard. This wine is the result of a meticulous study of the soils, where Sangiovese finds the perfect conditions to become a giant. The Gran Selezione designation is a step above all others in Chianti Classico. To be awarded this title, the wine must come from single vineyards or from a selection of the best grapes on the estate. The rules are strict and require a minimum ageing period of 30 months. This is how the Consortium guarantees that enthusiasts will have only the best of the best in their glasses, a product that embodies the maximum expression of the Chianti terroir. Here, Sangiovese, which is present in a clear majority as per the purest tradition, is accompanied by a small amount of other native Tuscan grape varieties, which serve to refine the aromatic profile without ever stealing the limelight from the protagonist. These grape varieties contribute to a deeper colour and an even more enveloping tannic structure. The vines are rooted in a soil rich in skeleton, composed of calcareous clays formed from the disintegration of typical rocks such as Alberese and Galestro. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in steel tanks with a long maceration period of 22 days. This prolonged contact with the skins allows the full character of the fruit to be extracted. The wine then matures for 24 months in French oak tonneaux, barrels larger than the classic barrique, which allow for gentle oxygenation. The ageing process ends with a further 8 months of refinement in the bottle. Ruby red in colour with rare intensity, the nose is a sensory journey that starts with sweet violet and blackcurrant, then opens up to sweet notes of tobacco and liquorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, supported by ripe, juicy tannins that are never harsh. The acidity is perfectly integrated, ensuring a dynamic and never tiring sip. The finish is very long and leaves a memory of noble spices. A wine born to last, thanks to its robust structure and the quality of its ageing, it can easily rest in the cellar for the next 15 to 20 years. With time, its natural austerity will transform into legendary silkiness, developing tertiary aromas of undergrowth and leather that will delight even the most demanding collectors.