"... a standard bearer of the category for the entire denomination. The 2022 is lovely; simply textbook." - Michaela Morris, Decanter
Now under the third generation of the Bianchi family, Castello di Monsanto is one of the most forward-looking yet traditional estates in Chianti Classico. After all, founder Aldo Bianchi was the visionary who first choose to bottle a single-vineyard wine from their prized Il Poggio parcel, and now his granddaughter, Laura, runs the estate with the same view toward the future that her father and grandfather did, and they now produce some of the most acclaimed, traditionally styled wines in the region.
A "complex, layered, and totally beguiling" effort, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is the estate's flagship expression of its philosophy and terroir, an ideal Tuscan microclimate that, along with the estate's use of Slavonian oak, produces Sangiovese wines of artisanal finesse and refinement. With a mountain of sterling critical praise, the 2022 Riserva stacks up as a future best-seller from Italy at well under $30, so you can (and should) consider stacking it by the case.
While you're at it, don't overlook the monumental 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Poggio, a wine with an absolutely stunning track record that stands among the very best in the classification. Antonio Galloni's 98-point review declares, "What a wine. Elegant and translucent, the 2020 impresses with a sublime, finessed personality that is impossible to miss." A pair of 97-point scores from James Suckling and Wine Spectator (including a Top 100 nod in 2025) add further appeal and confirmation of the 2020 as an all-time classic.
A restrained wine with bright and polished aromas of raspberries, red cherries, subtle mint, violets and licorice. Medium-bodied, juicy and smooth, with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Long finish. Drink or hold.
94 points, Aldo Fiordelli, James Suckling (Apr 2026)
Introduced almost 70 years ago, Castello di Monsanto’s Riserva is not just a flagbearer of the estate but a standard bearer of the category for the entire denomination. The 2022 is lovely; simply textbook. Flinty stone and coriander inflect the gorgeous strawberry nose, expanding with perfumes of jasmine and hibiscus. Tangy rhubarb contributes to the red berry core. Mid-weight, linear and elegant with ample layers of fine suede tannins, it's vivacious in energy and effortless in flow, and should drink gracefully for a decade at least.
94 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Feb 2026)
A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, the Castello di Monsanto 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva has a distinctly brambly and savory side, with bay leaf, dried herbs and white pepper alongside dark plummy fruit. The peppery character carries onto the medium- to full-bodied palate, where an interesting green note gives the wine additional savory complexity. There is plenty of personality here, with that recurring bay leaf character marking the finish. Some 200,000 bottles were made.
93 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Sep 2026)
The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is a heady, boisterous wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, leather, incense, cloves and mocha portray an especially dense vintage for this bottling, but that is a reflection of an intensely warm, dry year. The Riserva is rather somber, but it is also complex, layered and totally beguiling. It fleshes out beautifully on the finish. Aging was two-thirds in cask and one-third in neutral tonneaux.
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2026)
A dark version, sporting blackberry, blueberry, violet and tar flavors, plus a hint of wild rosemary. Ripe, this is also fresh, fluid and dense with tannins. Just a bit burly on the finish today, with fine length nonetheless. Needs time. Best from 2029 through 2045. 25,000 cases made, 14,000 cases imported.
93 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2026)
Top Quality Store
