Vigneti La Selvanella: Terroir-driven Pioneers in Tuscany 

Vigneti La Selvanella, located in Radda in Chianti, the heart of Chianti Classico, is a name synonymous with one of Italy’s most enduring and celebrated single-vineyard wines. With a history that stretches back over half a century, it is clear to see how La Selvanella has become a benchmark for terroir-driven Sangiovese and a pioneer in the concept of Cru wines in Italy.

A Vision Ahead of Its Time

Established in the 1960s, La Selvanella was among the first Italian vineyards to embrace the philosophy of single-vineyard winemaking—a radical idea at a time when most Chianti producers blended grapes from various locations. The estate spans roughly 50 hectares, making it the largest contiguous vineyard in the commune of Radda in Chianti. Its flagship wine, the Chianti Classico Riserva La Selvanella, first released in 1969, was one of the earliest examples of a Cru wine in the Chianti Classico region.

Then there’s the terroir. Their distinctive Radda terroir is also what sets La Selvanella apart. Situated at an elevation of around 400 meters, the vineyard benefits from optimal sun exposure and cooling breezes that help preserve acidity in the grapes. The soil, rich in alberese or limestone, contributes to the wine’s structural finesse and minerality.

The estate exclusively grows Sangiovese and adheres to traditional training systems such as Guyot and cordon spur pruning, which ensures consistently high-quality fruit and contributes to the wine’s purity and depth.

Speaking of wine, we were able to join the acclaimed winemaker Alessandro Zanette of Vigneti La Selvanella, for an exclusive masterclass and a vertical tasting experience. He spoke about the diversity inside the appellation and the role light, wind, elevation and soil play in the Radda terroir.

The tasting featured a few of La Selvanella’s most compelling and distinctive vintages of their Chianti Classico Riserva:

Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2020 is a sangiovese with soul. It has bright aromas of wild cherry, black raspberry, dried violet and a trace of tobacco. There’s also light herbal notes, like sage. The palate offers black cherry, dried herbs, chocolate and savory spice with vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins that don’t overshadow the fruit. The finish is long, dry, and elegant, featuring the classic Chianti flavors of sour cherry and earth. This wine honors its roots while showing remarkable finesse. 

Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019 is young, energetic and promising. In the glass is a deep ruby with hints of violet. It has aromas of cherry, black raspberry, dried rose and fresh herbs. The palate is crisp with sour cherry, cranberry and rosemary. Definitely herbaceous, with a clean finish. It would be interesting to see this wine as it continues to evolve. 

Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2006 is….beautiful! This wine is harmonious, mature and balanced. It’s definitely mature, but still full of life. The color is a garnet  red with a slight brick-colored rim, showing its age. This riserva has a lovely perfume of dried cherry, violets and leather, along with earthy notes. It goes down silky and layered with a little dried fig. Supple tannins and good complexity. This Riserva is a good wine to sit and reflect. Or just sip away. 2006 represents Alessandro’s first vintage in Chianti Classico so it, without a doubt, holds a special place in his heart. Well, it held a special place in mine as well. Loved it!

Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 1999 is elegant and earthy. Its pale garnet color with orange edges shows its age. A nose of dried cherry, balsamic, antique leather, cigar box, forest floor, and a touch of iron or crushed stone. While the flavors are more tertiary now, showing less fruit and more earth and spice, the acidity is still present. Longevity is clear.

Each bottle of La Selvanella Riserva is a deep dive into the essence of Sangiovese, capturing the soul of the Radda terroir. Their commitment to traditional methods and single-vineyard expression has earned La Selvanella multiple accolades over the decades, including high ratings and the coveted “Tre Bicchieri” award from Gambero Rosso. Zanette emphasized that La Selvanella’s goal has always been towards elegance, not big, Bordeaux-style wines. This was quite evident. These vertical reflections of Vigneti La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva 2020, 2019, 2006 & 1999 demonstrate that time adds depth, complexity, and character. 

This tasting was followed by a deliciously curated lunch, courtesy of Delmonico’s, featuring their other line, Poderi Melini.  

Poderi Melini San Lorenzo Chianti DOCG 2023 is young and approachable with notes of fresh red cherries, dried rose petals and white pepper. With tannins that are smooth and well-integrated, this wine is about finesse, freshness, and drinkability. 

Poderi Melini Granaio Chianti Classico 2022 is a classic Sangiovese with a contemporary edge. Youthful, fresh and vibrant, wild cherry and raspberry, with subtle layers of dried rose petals, orange zest, and savory herbal notes. Lingering finish with lively acidity and a mineral streak.  

Poderi Melini Bonorli 2022 is a new Super Tuscan wine crafted predominantly from Merlot grapes. Deep ruby red in the glass with red berry fruit aromas. The palate is balanced with a good tannic structure that suggests excellent aging potential. 

This time and tasting with the producer was a great way to experience the wines from one of Chianti Classico’s most iconic single vineyards and allowed us to learn more about La Selvanella’s tradition, their specific terroir, and production methods that yield wines with depth and elegance. However, it is clear that La Selvanella is much more than its wine, it’s an experience; one that is a testament to the power of place. Vigneti La Selvanella remains steadfast in its mission and philosophy by creating wines that are timeless, authentic, and deeply rooted in the soul of Tuscana.

Today, the estate operates under the umbrella of Gruppo Italiano Vini, one of Italy’s leading wine producers. The vineyard and winery are managed by a dedicated team that includes estate manager Alessandro Zanette, winemaker Francesco Bruni, and agronomist Marco Viciani. Together, they maintain the estate’s founding principles: respect for the land, dedication to tradition, and a pursuit of excellence.