An invitation to attend a masterclass with a prestigious winemaker is like winning a wine lover’s lottery. It’s a chance to sample rare vintages and learn from the winemakers about their wines, an unforgettable journey, and a deep dive into the world of wine culture.
Exploring Iconic Italian Reds: Chianti Classico and Barolo
Winemakers from two of Italy’s most recognized wine producers, La Selvanella and Pio Cesare, invited me to their masterclasses recently. Rare vintage red wines were selected that showcase each winery’s specialty.
La Selvanella’s Gran Cru Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico is made from Sangiovese grapes. La Selvanella, a trailblazer in Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, made history in 1969 as the first 100% Sangiovese wine to feature its vineyard name on the label. This Burgundy-style red is revered as the first Gran Cru Chianti Classico, known for its age-worthiness and elegance.
La Selvanella’s grapes grow in a very biodiverse region, surrounded by forests and fields with fragrant herbs and wildflowers. The cool microclimate within the Chianti mountains contributes to the elegant structure of their wines, which are also suitable for aging.
Winemaker Alessandro Zanetti selected four of the winery’s most compelling Riserva vintages: 2020, 2019, 2006, and 1999. The wines are made from hand-harvested grapes and age for three years in 3,000-gallon oak barrels before bottling. The 2020 vintage has a clear, dark, ruby colour and a nose with strong aromas of red fruits and iris flowers. The 2019 has more herbal and liquorice nuances with a touch of balsamic and light tannins. The 2006, now nearly twenty years old, has earthy aromas of wood, leather, cigar tobacco, and violet flowers. It’s similar to the scent of a forest floor after a rain. The showstopping 1999 vintage is a sumptuous blend of rich chocolate, hazelnuts, and licorice with notes of ripe red fruit.
Barbaresco Here We Come
Family-owned since 1881, Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most iconic wineries. Located near the ancient Roman walls of Alba, this fifth-generation estate — now led by Federica Rosy Boffa continues to set the standard for Barolo and Barbaresco wines made from grapes from its own vineyards.
Vineyards are nestled next to ancient Roman walls and are cooled by evening Alpine breezes. Pio Cesare limits its production by using only the most mature and healthy grapes, and each grape is laboriously selected by hand. Year after year, Pio Cesare Barolo and Barbaresco wines are recognized for their consistency and regional expression.
The Barbaresco Pio 2021 is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown on vines that date back to 1974. The complex nose is a mix of moss and oregano with a delicate finish. With fruit from 40+ year-old vines, Pio Cesare 2020 Barbaresco Il Bricco boasts elegant aromas nuanced with spice, dark plum, and hints of nutmeg. If you can wait, put aside the Barolo Ornato 2021 for ten years. It’s a powerful, structured red wine with gusty tannins and dense dark plum and blackberry flavours. The wine has volume and depth that will make it a memorable Barolo.
Why Masterclasses Matter to Wine Enthusiasts
Attending a winemaker-led masterclass goes far beyond wine tasting. It’s a deep dive into the history, terroir, and passion behind every bottle. Whether you’re sipping a Barolo built for ageing or a Chianti Classico Riserva that bursts with complexity, the experience builds your understanding and appreciation of great wine.
Images: Brands respectively
