A Tuscan Journey: Unveiling the Melini 2020 La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva at Zucca Miami By Carlos Sarmiento

Carlos Sarmiento
1 day ago
3 min read

There is a distinct magic that happens when a winemaker travels thousands of miles to share the story of their land. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing that magic firsthand at Zucca Restaurant in Coral Gables, where Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. hosted an exclusive unveiling of the Melini 2020 La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva.

The afternoon was a masterclass in Tuscan tradition, featuring a special appearance by winemaker Alessandro Zanette, who flew in from Italy to guide us through an incredible tasting of Melini’s finest varietals.

(Alessandro Zanette from Melini)

The Experience

The setting at Zucca was the perfect stage for such a sophisticated affair. We were treated to a family-style feast—a hallmark of Italian hospitality—where each course was thoughtfully curated to elevate the nuances of the wines.

The lineup for the afternoon was nothing short of sensational:

Marchesi di Barolo Gavi (A crisp, elegant start)

Melini 2024 Chianti Superiore San Lorenzo

Melini 2023 Chianti Classico Granaio

Melini 2023 Bonorli Toscana (Merlot)

Melini 2020 La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva

As a magnificent bonus, we were treated to a rare sampling of the Melini 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva. Tasting a wine with that level of maturity and grace was a sublime highlight of the event.

(Paolo dal Gallo from Frederick Wildman and Sons presenting the rare Melini 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva)

Melini 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva

The Soul of La Selvanella

To understand the 2020 La Selvanella is to understand the history of the Melini family. Since 1705, the family has been cultivating these “tiny plots of land reclaimed from nature” nestled within the ancient cypress woods of Gaggiano.

Located in the northern sector of the Radda UGA, the La Selvanella vineyard is a 123-acre cru that sits at 1,300 feet above sea level. Planted entirely to Sangiovese Grosso on a unique terroir of alberese (weathered sandstone), this is Chianti in its most authentic form—a blend of forest, earth, and dust.

For the 2020 vintage, the process was one of meticulous care. Hand-picked in early October, the grapes underwent a traditional 20-day maceration. The wine was then refined for 30 months in French oak casks and rested for an additional 12 months in the bottle before release. This patience results in a wine of exceptional structure and long-term aging potential.

Tasting the 2020 La Selvanella

In the glass, the 2020 La Selvanella presents a clear, dark ruby hue. The nose is a complex bouquet of red fruits, iris, and a whisper of vanilla.

On the palate, it is generous, warm, and savory. It unfolds with notes of woodland undergrowth and toasted almonds, framed by a compact, elegant rigidity. Renowned critic James Suckling awarded this vintage 93 Points, describing it as a “firm and chewy riserva” with “mineral and bark undertones.” While it is drinking beautifully now, its structure suggests it will only improve with another year or two in the cellar.

A Culinary Symphony

The pairing menu at Zucca was a testament to the versatility of these wines. We began with freshly baked breads and an antipasti spread of cured meats, cheeses, and garden-fresh vegetables.

As the afternoon progressed, we enjoyed:

Pasta with a rich lamb ragu & delicate shrimp risotto

Veal Milanese with rustic potatoes and arugula

Sliced grilled Ribeye Steak Florentina with sautéed vegetables

The meal concluded with classic Tiramisu, espresso, and a beautiful Limoncello to seal the deal.

Each course served as a reminder that these wines are built for the table—meant to be shared with family, food, and conversation.

Gratitude

A special thank you to Paolo Dal Gallo from Frederick Wildman & Sons for organizing such a seamless and memorable event. A heartfelt Grazie Mille to Alessandro Zanette for sharing his passion and the storied history of Melini. And, of course, a big shoutout to Sergio and his staff at Zucca for providing such a beautifully appointed dining experience.