Dievole, `Vigna di Sessina` Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Dievole is a 600-hectare estate in Chianti Classico with ancient origins. Records of the name Dievole date back to 1090, derived from a contraction of ’Dio Vuole’ or ‘God willing’. In 2012 it was purchased by Alejandro Bulgheroni who, with the help of an expert team led by Stefano Capurso, began a big renovation project of the Dievole’s vineyards. These comprise over 150 hectares of vines, planted at elevations between 270 and 420 metres, on diverse soils of marine origin.

After a period of conversion, the estate's vineyards were certified organic in 2017, thanks to the work of head agronomist Lorenzo Bernini. Several areas within the estate have been thoroughly examined and planted with optimum grape varieties on appropriate rootstocks. Sangiovese is their most widely planted variety, followed by Canaiolo, Colorino and Trebbiano.

Winemaker Luigi Temperini oversees vinification, with input from Alberto Antonini, a world-renowned winemaker and consultant. All Dievole’s wines are fermented in 75-hectolitre concrete tulips and oak use consists of mostly large, untoasted, French barrels. The ‘Campinovi’ comprises Trebbiano hailing from vineyards up to 20 years old. After fermentation at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees, it is aged for about a year in large oak. With a rich and complex style, the resulting wine is a great example of what this variety can do in the best sites and in the right hands.

The Chianti Classico is expressive, fresh, and vibrant with lovely cherry notes. Aged in oak for about 12 months, it is made from a blend of all the Chianti Classico vineyards. The ‘Petrignano’ is made entirely from Sangiovese hailing from a single vineyard where soils rich in stones and surface limestone rocks enhance the wine's distinctive minerality. ‘Novecento’, named in homage to the 900 years of history at Dievole, is made from a selection of grapes that, like the Chianti Classico, include a small proportion of Canaiolo and Colorino. The resulting expression is elegant and rich, with distinctive concentration and length.

The Vigna di Sessina is sourced from an exceptional plot that has the highest elevation of Dievole’s vineyards. Sitting at 420 meters above sea level, it is planted entirely with Sangiovese. Here, fossil-rich soils and macigno stone contribute to a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with ripe fruit, spicy notes, and layers of depth and complexity, all supported by fine, mature tannins.