Chianti Classico Gran Selezione master class and walk around trade tasting. May 11th, 2015

Website : www.chianticlassico.com

Darrell was asked to participate in a panel discussion for the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium's first west coast presentation of their 2010 vintage Gran Selezione wines. The event was held in the Pavilion Room of the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, CA. Along with a presentation in New York, this was the American introduction to Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.

Joining Darrell in the panel were Dott. Giuseppe Liberatore, general director of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium, Tim Gaiser, Master Sommelier, and Shelley Lindgren, Wine Director/Owner A16 & SPQR. The event was hosted and moderated by journalist Rick Kushman, New York Times bestselling author of The Barefoot Spirit

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines are essentially the Chianti Classico Consortium producer's new top tier offering, which bares the vintage of 2010. Eight wines were selected for this invitation only master class, which was attended by local and regional members of the wine trade and media.

Website : www.timgaiser.com

Website : www.a16sf.com www.spqrsf.com

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione master class ran a little over ending at 12:45 pm. Each of the eight wines tasted did maintain the expected profile of the Sangiovese grape. There were some differences of opinion as to which of the wines showed best, but over all it seemed that they were all enjoyed.

Part II of the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione event was a four hour walk around wine tasting featuring the wines of thirty Chianti Classico producers. It was held in the Crown Room located on the 24th floor of the Fairmont's Tower building. The most noticeable feature of the room is the tall, wrap around windows which reveal a sweeping 270-degree panorama of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Downtown and Twin Peaks. The presenting wineries were laid out by commune. Each pouring multiple vintages of their wine. The guests spent the time tasting, taking in the stunning views, nibbling on the provided buffet, and discussing the wonderful offerings of Chianti Classico.

Now that the ribbon of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione has been cut, it will be interesting to see how this new level of wine is accepted in the market. Our sincere thanks and best wishes to Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico for the wonderful event!