La Selvanella: Chianti Classico’s First Grand Cru Estate Offers a Taste of Timeless Tuscany

In the storied hills of Radda in Chianti, where rolling vineyards and cypress-lined estates embody the soul of Tuscany, one historic vineyard has quietly shaped the legacy of Italian wine for over half a century. Vigneti La Selvanella, the first officially recognized cru in the Chianti Classico region, continues to captivate global wine connoisseurs with its uncompromising dedication to terroir, tradition, and time-tested elegance.

A Legacy Rooted in the Hills of Radda

Perched at elevations ranging from 330 to 600 meters above sea level, La Selvanella’s 50-hectare estate is uniquely situated on a single sun-drenched hilltop. Here, the vineyard benefits from an extraordinary mix of geological soil types—including Macigno sandstone, the rare Pietraforte outcrop, and the Sillano formation—all of which contribute to the signature minerality and structure of its celebrated Chianti Classico Riserva.

First produced in 1969, La Selvanella was the first Tuscan wine to display its vineyard name on the label—marking the birth of the cru concept in Chianti Classico. This bold step not only signaled a new era of site-specific winemaking in Italy, but also solidified La Selvanella’s reputation as a benchmark for the Sangiovese grape.

Sangiovese with Soul

At the heart of the estate’s wine philosophy is a clonal selection of Sangiovese Grosso, carefully cultivated through massal selection dating back to the 1960s. The result is a vineyard uniquely tuned to the microclimate of Radda—blessed with abundant sunlight, cool mountain breezes, and optimal diurnal shifts for slow, aromatic grape development.

The latest vintage, the Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2020, is a striking ruby red with a bouquet that bursts with wild forest berries, cherries, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs, mint, and licorice. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and vertical, delivering precision, juicy tannins, and an acidity that ensures its potential for long-term aging up to 30 years.

Heritage Meets Innovation

Under the leadership of estate manager Alessandro Zanette, winemaker Francesco Bruni, and agronomist Marco Viciani, La Selvanella’s team honors its legacy while embracing sustainable, forward-thinking viticulture. The Riserva is aged in large-format 120-hl oak barrels—crafted from specially selected woods—to gently shape the wine without overpowering its character.

The thick oak staves, aged and blended with precision, help unlock aromatic complexity and preserve the purity of the Sangiovese fruit. After three years in barrel and one year in bottle, each release is a testament to patience, balance, and craftsmanship.

A Collector’s Essential

The 2020 Riserva offers exceptional value and rarity for collectors seeking a genuine expression of Chianti Classico’s potential. With a production model rooted in biodiversity, altitude, and old-vine elegance, Vigneti La Selvanella remains a must-have for discerning palates and cellar purists.

Pair it with Florentine bistecca, wild boar ragu, venison stew, or aged Pecorino Toscano, and you’ll experience Tuscany as it was meant to be tasted—bold, honest, and enduring.

Fast Facts for Collectors:

• Wine: Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2020
• Estate: Vigneti La Selvanella
• Location: Radda in Chianti, Province of Siena
• Altitude: 330–600m
• Soils: Macigno sandstone, Pietraforte, Sillano
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese Grosso (massal selection)
• Aging: 3 years in large oak, 1 year in bottle
• Alcohol: 14%
• Aging Potential: 15–30 years
• Food Pairing: Roasted game, red meat, aged cheeses
• Website: La Selvanella Official Site (Insert live link)