About this wine
The estate's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, made from 100% Sangiovese sourced from the single Querciolina vineyard. Named after the thrush ('sassello' in old Tuscan dialect) that stops in these vineyards during harvest. Aged in wooden vessels for a total of around 18 months including time in small tonneaux and barriques (75% Allier, 25% Vosges oak), followed by a minimum 6 months refining in bottle. Intense ruby red with garnet overtones; the nose offers cherry, blackberry and raspberry underlined by oak and vanilla, while the palate is elegant and complex with closely woven, fine tannins.
The estate's top single-vineyard red — more concentrated and structured than the Riserva, best enjoyed with a special occasion.
Sommelier's Note
"Sassello is the clearest proof that Verrazzano's Sangiovese, from a single limestone vineyard, doesn't need any help from other grapes to be genuinely great — it consistently scores in the low-to-mid 90s from critics for good reason."
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roasts, game, and aged, ripe cheeses — dishes with enough richness to match its concentration and oak-derived spice.
When to drink it
Special occasions, fine dining, cellar-worthy gifts
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Sangiovese
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Price Range
- $64-80
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Sangiovese from the single Querciolina vineyard, organically farmed on limestone-rich soil in Greve in Chianti. Aged approximately 18 months in wood, including tonneaux and barriques (75% Allier oak, 25% Vosges oak), then a minimum of 6 months in bottle. Alcohol 14% vol. Serve at 18-20°C; suitable for extended cellaring.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is this wine called 'Sassello'?
- It is named after the thrush ('sassello' in old Tuscan dialect), a bird that stops in the Querciolina vineyard during the autumn harvest period.
- Is Sassello a single-vineyard wine?
- Yes, it is made from 100% Sangiovese grown exclusively in the estate's Querciolina vineyard, and is classified as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, the highest tier of Chianti Classico.
- How has Sassello been rated by wine critics?
- Recent vintages have scored consistently in the low-to-mid 90s (out of 100) from publications such as Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
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