Poderi Melini 'Granaio' Chianti Classico | Tuscany, Italy
Poderi Melini Chianti Classico Granaio, produced since 1969, is an authentic expression of the freshness and elegance of wines from the heart of Tuscany. This wine combines the centuries-old tradition of the region’s wine production with modern winemaking techniques.
Situated on one of the highest hills, at 360m, Podere Granaio stretches between Castellina in Chianti and San Donato in Poggio. Due to its height, the village of Granaio has always been the point of reference for the surrounding estates.
Granaio is a true Chianti village whose first records date back to the end of the 1500s, when it appears in a Florentine document ‘Piante di popoli e strade’ (Maps of peoples and streets). Its origin is certainly older, as it served as a defensive tower.
Vineyards are 300-400 metres above sea level with well exposed soils. Podere Granaio is characterised by very rocky, skeletal soil. Alberese, which is its main composition, is a calcareous marl that is very difficult to cultivate. The parcels of vineyards alternate with forest formed by cypresses, holm oaks and arbutus trees.
The vines here, in order to obtain the necessary nourishment, are forced to sink their roots deep into the rock, giving balanced wines with a tasty tannic texture. It means that even in difficult, drought years the Sangiovese Grosso grapes do not to suffer.
Sangiovese Grosso is a natural mutation of the more common Sangiovese grape, its name, “Grosso,” refers to the larger size of its berries than standard Sangiovese. Considered to be superior to the other Sangiovese grapes, and late to ripen, it is used for traditionally powerful, long lived and slow maturing wines, the most important of all is Brunello di Montalcino.
The grapes are carefully harvested as whole clusters at the right degree of ripeness with a few days of pre-fermentative cold maceration on the skins. Traditional red wine vinification partly in steel tanks and partly in concrete tanks. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts with frequent pumping over to enhance the floral bouquet and elegance. A part of the wine remains in contact with the skins for several months.
After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in 20 and 40 hl barrels. Subsequent ageing continues in barrels to provide further harmony and softness.
Awards:
2022 – Gold, Berliner Wine Trophy 2025
Poderi Melini Chianti Classico Granaio, produced since 1969, is an authentic expression of the freshness and elegance of wines from the heart of Tuscany. This wine combines the centuries-old tradition of the region’s wine production with modern winemaking techniques.
Situated on one of the highest hills, at 360m, Podere Granaio stretches between Castellina in Chianti and San Donato in Poggio. Due to its height, the village of Granaio has always been the point of reference for the surrounding estates.
Granaio is a true Chianti village whose first records date back to the end of the 1500s, when it appears in a Florentine document ‘Piante di popoli e strade’ (Maps of peoples and streets). Its origin is certainly older, as it served as a defensive tower.
Vineyards are 300-400 metres above sea level with well exposed soils. Podere Granaio is characterised by very rocky, skeletal soil. Alberese, which is its main composition, is a calcareous marl that is very difficult to cultivate. The parcels of vineyards alternate with forest formed by cypresses, holm oaks and arbutus trees.
The vines here, in order to obtain the necessary nourishment, are forced to sink their roots deep into the rock, giving balanced wines with a tasty tannic texture. It means that even in difficult, drought years the Sangiovese Grosso grapes do not to suffer.
Sangiovese Grosso is a natural mutation of the more common Sangiovese grape, its name, “Grosso,” refers to the larger size of its berries than standard Sangiovese. Considered to be superior to the other Sangiovese grapes, and late to ripen, it is used for traditionally powerful, long lived and slow maturing wines, the most important of all is Brunello di Montalcino.
The grapes are carefully harvested as whole clusters at the right degree of ripeness with a few days of pre-fermentative cold maceration on the skins. Traditional red wine vinification partly in steel tanks and partly in concrete tanks. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts with frequent pumping over to enhance the floral bouquet and elegance. A part of the wine remains in contact with the skins for several months.
After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in 20 and 40 hl barrels. Subsequent ageing continues in barrels to provide further harmony and softness.
Awards:
2022 – Gold, Berliner Wine Trophy 2025
Poderi Melini Chianti Classico Granaio, produced since 1969, is an authentic expression of the freshness and elegance of wines from the heart of Tuscany. This wine combines the centuries-old tradition of the region’s wine production with modern winemaking techniques.
Situated on one of the highest hills, at 360m, Podere Granaio stretches between Castellina in Chianti and San Donato in Poggio. Due to its height, the village of Granaio has always been the point of reference for the surrounding estates.
Granaio is a true Chianti village whose first records date back to the end of the 1500s, when it appears in a Florentine document ‘Piante di popoli e strade’ (Maps of peoples and streets). Its origin is certainly older, as it served as a defensive tower.
Vineyards are 300-400 metres above sea level with well exposed soils. Podere Granaio is characterised by very rocky, skeletal soil. Alberese, which is its main composition, is a calcareous marl that is very difficult to cultivate. The parcels of vineyards alternate with forest formed by cypresses, holm oaks and arbutus trees.
The vines here, in order to obtain the necessary nourishment, are forced to sink their roots deep into the rock, giving balanced wines with a tasty tannic texture. It means that even in difficult, drought years the Sangiovese Grosso grapes do not to suffer.
Sangiovese Grosso is a natural mutation of the more common Sangiovese grape, its name, “Grosso,” refers to the larger size of its berries than standard Sangiovese. Considered to be superior to the other Sangiovese grapes, and late to ripen, it is used for traditionally powerful, long lived and slow maturing wines, the most important of all is Brunello di Montalcino.
The grapes are carefully harvested as whole clusters at the right degree of ripeness with a few days of pre-fermentative cold maceration on the skins. Traditional red wine vinification partly in steel tanks and partly in concrete tanks. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts with frequent pumping over to enhance the floral bouquet and elegance. A part of the wine remains in contact with the skins for several months.
After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in 20 and 40 hl barrels. Subsequent ageing continues in barrels to provide further harmony and softness.
Awards:
2022 – Gold, Berliner Wine Trophy 2025
Origin: Chianti DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby colour; an intense, complex nose of cherry, bramble and hedgerow fruits with discrete notes of vanilla and spice from the oak ageing. A medium light body and attractive palate is smooth, creamy and persistent; with well-defined and dry tannins evident on the chewy leather and tobacco finish.
ABV: 14.0%
Vintage: 2021
Ageing potential: years
Attributes: oak aged
Closure: cork
Farming:
Sustainability info:
Winemaker: Alessandro Zanette
Winery link
Food pairing suggestions: Ideal to accompany traditional dishes of Tuscan and Italian cuisine, such as pasta with ragù, roast and grilled meats, mature cheeses.