Castello di Bossi is located in the southern half of the Chianti Classico zone, in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga. There, the wines tend to be fuller and more highly structured than those from the rest of Chianti Classico. The estate comprises 650 hectares, 124 of which are under vine with with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot on terrains of tuff, yellow clay, calcareous sand, and broken stone.

The vineyards have an average elevation of about 1150 feet above sea level with various exposures from southeast to west. At the center of the estate is the Bossi Castle whose first tower was built around 1099 and was expanded in 1450 into the 4-walled fortress visitors can see today.

Inscriptions from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD indicate that the Bossi area was the site of a Roman settlement and its name seems to derive from the money chest, made of rare and prized boxwood, which the Roman army carried to its encampments to pay the soldiers.

Historic documents reveal that vineyards already existed in Bossi around 1200, since a portion of rents and leases was paid in kind, and wine was cited among the listed products. The estate has evolved with the times and embraced modern technology. The the Bacci family have introduced modern production methods and better management practices, leading to a rebirth for the Castello.

The 2018 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a distinguished red wine crafted from 100% Sangiovese grapes, hailing from the renowned Chianti Classico region in Tuscany, Italy. This wine is a product of Castello di Bossi and is notable for its certified organic production, a detail highlighted by multiple reviewers.

James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 94, noting its “sweet berries and cherries with some vanilla and cedar character.” Suckling also described the wine as having a “medium body and creamy, juicy tannins,” with a touch of “tangy acidity.” He recommends that it can be enjoyed now or held for further aging.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, represented by reviewer ML, gave the 2018 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione a score of 93. The review emphasized the wine’s “soft fruit richness with ripe cherry and blackberry” flavors. ML also pointed out the wine’s “gentle tannins and rich textural support,” making it an ideal companion for grilled meats or a hearty winter stew.

Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe also rated this wine at 93 points. O’Keefe praised its “full-bodied and elegantly structured” nature, noting the “enticing aromas of violet, pipe tobacco, new leather and camphor.” On the palate, she found “fine-grained tannins” paired with flavors of “dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and mocha.” She suggests that the wine will continue to develop well and recommends drinking it between 2023 and 2028.

This wine, with its 14.5% alcohol content and traditional cork closure, is well-regarded across the board. Its balance of sweet and savory elements, coupled with a robust structure and complex bouquet, makes it a noteworthy choice for both immediate enjoyment and future cellaring. The consistent high scores from respected reviewers underscore its quality and potential.