Tasting notes:

Based at Gaiole-in-Chianti in the cool forested area in the lower reaches of the \'Chianti triangle\', Castello di Meleto was one of the earliest estates to study and re-develop a selection of the best Sangiovese clones from the Chianti Classico 2000 study. This very high quality wine shows the results. Medium ruby-coloured with a hint of garnet on the rim, the wine has wild cherries and brambles accented by cedarwood and dark chocolate and a touch of rose petal and prune. Ripe and rich, the palate is very nicely balanced by racy acidity and firm linen-textured tannins. Really rather more-ish, the wine will accompany a sweet-and-sour wild boar ragout made with a reduction of game stock, raisins, dark chocolate and a glass of Marsala. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]