Chianti Classico 2016
Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano, Antinori
£147
per 6 in bond Seckford
(=£192 incl VAT for UK delivery*)
Badia a Passignano is located above the town of Sambuca Val di Pesa, just 3 kilometres south of the Tenuta Tignanello estate. The property extends over an area of 223 hectares (551 acres), of which 65 hectares (160 acres) are planted with vines. The wine is aged in the historic cellars under the Badia (abbey) of Passignano that dates back to the 10th century.
2016 Chianti Classico – A Modern Day Benchmark
Antonio Galloni (Vinous Media)
"2016 has turned out to be an extraordinary vintage for Antinori. The family's wines in Chianti Classico are off the charts great. At the entry-level, the wines are incredibly delicious and have the added virtue of being made in large quantities, which means readers in many markets around the world will be able to enjoy them. The most improved wine is the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano, which now finally tastes like a wine of place.
Antinori's 2016s are marked by pure sensuality, with perfectly ripe tannins that feel like they aren't there at all. What a fabulous collection of wines."
94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous Media)
Drink to 2036
“One of the many highlights in this range, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is the most refined, elegant wine Antinori has made from their Badia a Passignano property. Medium in body and lithe, but with plenty of the fruit intensity that is typical of this site, the 2016 Badia captures a striking middle ground of richness and finesse that is captivating. Lavender, mint, blue/purplish fruit and liquorice are all beautifully delineated. The gradual move towards less concentration in the cellar and larger 300 and 500-liter barrels has paid off handsomely. This is such a gorgeous Chianti Classico.”
* Carriage is £18 per delivery UK mainland for 1-3 cases
94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate)
“Badia a Passignano is one of the last vineyards to mature and one of the first to start, so it always has a very long growing cycle. The spring began with good weather with budbreak coming about ten days early, followed by a cool, early summer and a hot August. The Sangiovese-based 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano shows some real ripeness on the close with more red and purple fruit rather than black fruit characteristics. This is a very traditional expression of the Tuscan grape and the least international of Marchesi Antinori's offerings. It's the kind of classic Sangiovese that belongs on the table next to a pappardelle with your favorite ragù.”