2022 Marchesi Antinori “Buiano” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 750ML

97 Points – James Suckling

Marchesi Antinori’s "Buiano" is a distinctive Gran Selezione from the Castellina UGA, sourced from the Buiano estate on the western side of Chianti Classico. Acquired by Antinori in 2017, the property gives the family a powerful, structured interpretation of Castellina, with the 2022 showing impressive concentration while retaining the precision and freshness that define top Sangiovese.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese.
Tasting Notes: Deeply aromatic, with black cherry, blackberry and red plum layered with violet, dried flowers, bay leaf and hints of bitter orange. The palate is dense and savory, showing dark berries, cedar, cocoa, earthy spice and a subtle truffle character, framed by remarkably fine tannins and a long, energetic finish.
Structure: Concentrated and firmly structured, with fine-grained tannins, savory depth and excellent aging potential.
Drink Window: 2027–2045. Enjoyable with aeration in its youth, but the wine’s density and tannic structure should reward extended cellaring.

Decanting: Decant for approximately 1–2 hours when opened young. With additional bottle age, 30–60 minutes should be sufficient to allow its dark fruit, floral and savory nuances to unfold.

Buiano is an especially compelling bottle for the collector who values serious, terroir-driven Sangiovese with both power and refinement. It is a natural partner for bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised meats, wild game or aged pecorino, while its structure and pedigree make it equally well suited to a carefully assembled Tuscan cellar or a special dinner where a more distinctive expression of Chianti Classico is called for.