Maurizio Alongi MAURIZIO ALONGI VIGNA BARBISCHIO Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2023

Description

Vigna Barbischio 2023 | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Maurizio Alongi’s 2023 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Barbischio marks a new chapter for one of the Chianti Classico’s “small but great” crus. After being produced for years as a Riserva, with the 2023 vintage, Vigna Barbischio enters the Gran Selezione category, featuring the geographical designation “Gaiole” on the label. This decision further enhances the identity of a wine born from a unique vineyard and a particularly well-suited terroir.

Maurizio Alongi is a winemaker from Siena who, after nearly thirty years of experience as a consultant for numerous Tuscan and Italian wineries, decided to put his expertise to work on a personal project. His search led him to discover, in the area around Gaiole in Chianti, two small plots near the medieval village of Barbischio: Poggio di Barbischio and Sabbie di Barbischio. From these two vineyards, totaling just over 1.3 hectares, comes the only wine produced by his winery.

The vineyards, planted in the 1970s, are nestled in an almost wild setting, surrounded by oak and chestnut forests. They are located on the eastern slope of Gaiole, at an elevation of about 400–450 meters, with a predominantly southern exposure. This corner of the Chianti Classico region is characterized by the presence of the Macigno del Chianti, a geological formation composed mainly of sandstone, which gives rise to loose, sandy, and well-drained soils. This unique location, combined with the elevation and the presence of the forest, helps create a cooler microclimate compared to other areas of Gaiole.

The vineyard still retains the traditional planting pattern of that era, with Sangiovese accompanied by small amounts of Malvasia Nera and Canaiolo. In the 2023 Gran Selezione, the blend consists of 94% Sangiovese, 4% Malvasia Nera, and 2% Canaiolo. It is precisely the presence of these traditional varieties, together with the nature of the soils and the age of the vines, that contributes to the distinctive character of Vigna Barbischio.

In the winery, Alongi strives to interfere as little as possible with the vineyard’s natural expression. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts and skin contact, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine then matures in French oak tonneaux—mostly used ones—before undergoing a long period of bottle aging. This approach prioritizes the distinct character of Sangiovese and the expression of the terroir over the pursuit of concentration or pronounced oak notes.

The 2023 Gran Selezione Vigna Barbischio stands out for its fresh, balsamic, and deep profile, where red and dark fruit intertwines with notes of undergrowth, aromatic herbs, spices, and hints of mint. On the palate, it is taut and flavorful, supported by a fine tannic structure and a lovely mineral component. A Sangiovese with great personality, capable of combining elegance, freshness, and depth.

A wine produced in very limited quantities, representing a small vineyard in Gaiole that, over the years, has become one of Maurizio Alongi’s most personal and recognizable projects.