2016 Antinori, Chianti Classico, Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione

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.

San Casciano in Val di Pesa. 100% Sangiovese. Concentrated ruby. Quite a singed nose with dried-fruit notes, but with aeration also notes of cherry appear. Bags of sweet fruit cut through by tangy acidity. Not the subtlest of wines and ready now. (WS)