Tech Notes
Wine Details
Vinous
Wine Enthusiast
James Suckling
Luca Maroni
Wine Spectator
By Rocca di Castagnoli
Stielle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Terroir
Stielle is one of the historic crus of Rocca di Castagnoli and has long been recognized as one of the estate's finest expressions of Sangiovese. Documentary evidence confirms vine cultivation in this area as early as 1153. The combination of exceptional brightness, natural ventilation, altitude, and a remarkable selection of old Sangiovese biotypes native to the estate creates ideal conditions for producing a wine of outstanding elegance and longevity. The Stielle vineyard lies on a hillside at 460-500 meters above sea level, with a predominantly west-to-east exposure. The soils are characterized by Alberese limestone with significant limestone marl, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's distinctive mineral character.
Vineyard Details
Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
Designation: Gran Selezione
Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Vineyard: Stielle
Soil: Alberese limestone with significant limestone marl
Vineyard Size: 9 hectares
Vine Age: 35-117 years
Exposure: West to east
Altitude: 460-500 m a.s.l.
Vine Density: 5,000 vines/ha
Average Yield: Approximately 1 kg of grapes per vine
Training System: Spur-pruned cordon
Harvest: Second half of October, entirely by hand
Vinification
Cold maceration for approximately 24 hours at 12 degrees C, followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel with gentle extraction for around 20 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel. The wine is then aged for 18 months, partly in 225-L French oak barriques and partly in 25-hl oak casks, followed by 4 months of maturation in concrete vats before bottling. It undergoes a minimum of 12 months of bottle aging prior to release. The wine is gently filtered before bottling to preserve its aromatic integrity and texture. As a natural consequence of bottle aging, a light sediment may develop over time without affecting the wine's quality.
Tasting Note
Deep ruby red with evolving garnet reflections. The bouquet is complex and finely layered, opening with ripe black cherry, dried sour cherry, and wild berry aromas, gradually revealing elegant notes of violet, dried rose petals, and Mediterranean herbs. Evolution has contributed refined tertiary nuances of tobacco leaf, cedar, sweet spices, leather, and forest floor, while delicate balsamic and mineral notes add further depth and complexity. The palate is full-bodied, harmonious, and beautifully integrated. The tannins have evolved into a fine, velvety texture while preserving the structure and energy characteristic of the Stielle vineyard. Vibrant acidity provides freshness and precision, carrying flavors of dark cherry, blood orange, licorice, and savory mineral nuances through to a long, persistent finish. The oak is seamlessly integrated, allowing the purity of Sangiovese and the vineyard's distinctive expression to emerge with elegance. The wine is currently entering an outstanding stage of evolution, offering immediate pleasure while retaining excellent aging potential.
Service
Food Pairing: Ideal with grilled and roasted red meats, game, slow-cooked dishes, truffle-based recipes, and mature hard cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees C
[Information provided by Regal Wines]
Region
Tuscany
Vintage
2020
Grape
Sangiovese
Country
Italy
Unit Size
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage
14.50
Appellation
Chianti Classico
Wine: Rocca di Castagnoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Review Date: 07/2025
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is dynamic and complex in the glass, a wine that shows everything Gaiole is capable of. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, mocha, licorice and cloves soar from the glass as the 2020 showcases its pedigree and sheer allure. Hints of floral and savory overtones blossom with aeration. What a wine!
Wine: Rocca di Castagnoli 2020 Stielle Gran Selezione Sangiovese (Chianti Classico)
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 12/31/2025
Reviewed By: Danielle Callegari
Tasting Notes: The umami, earthy nose swirls with aromas of damp soil, underbrush, wild thyme, black olive and tea leaf. Tart and sweet blackberries lead the way on the palate, while the tang of tea leaves and olives endures to provide balance. Chewy tannins provide an anchor.
Wine: Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle 2020
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 03/11/2025
Reviewed By: Aldo Fiordelli
Tasting Notes: A forthright Chianti Classico with aromas of dark cherries, violets and smoke. Full-bodied, it shows crisp, nervy acidity, velvety tannins and an angular finish. Drink or hold.
Wine: Rocca di Castagnoli Stielle Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 05/11/2025
Wine: Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico Stielle Gran Selezione 2020
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2033
Review Date: 09/22/2025
Reviewed By: Bruce Sanderson
Tasting Notes: Rich and well-delineated, this red displays cherry, plum, eucalyptus, sanguine and earth notes. Underscored by lively acidity and well-mannered tannins. Drink now through 2033.
