Il Caggio - IPSUS Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020

Some dreams take centuries. For the Mazzei family — Tuscan wine royalty since the 1400s — the dream of crafting the ultimate Sangiovese took root in 2006, when they acquired Il Caggio, a historic hamlet nestled in the hills of Chianti Classico. Surrounded by forests and olive groves, the crown jewel of the estate is a 6.5-hectare clos planted entirely to Sangiovese. After ten patient years of soil study, clone trials, and organic conversion, Ipsus was born. 

Vinified parcel by parcel and fermented spontaneously, the wine ages gracefully in a mix of new tonneaux, large casks, and sleek ceramic vessels. The vineyard’s rare mix of clay and alberese stone delivers structure, minerality, and finesse — the hallmarks of great Sangiovese. 

Ipsus means “he himself” in Latin — a nod to the wine’s ability to stand entirely on its own. No flash, no fuss, just a soulful expression of site, grape, and vision. From the family that helped define Chianti, this is a new benchmark for Gran Selezione: powerful, pure, and dripping with personality.

"Jeweled ruby in colour, each step though the palate adds another layer of nuance and enjoyment. Riven through with sage, thyme, rosemary, raspberries, red cherries, black tea, bay, saffron, oyster shell and fine but creamy tannins. Sums up the idea of balanced fruit, tannins and acidity in a way that can sound overly simple but in reality is one of the hardest things to achieve - but you know it when you taste it. Stainless steel fermentation with native yeasts that begin fermentation naturally, aged across a mix of 70% new oak, 20% in 1,500l oak barrels and the final 10% in ceramic vats. Once the blend of different formats takes place, the wine spends another six months in ceramic vats, followed by 14 months in bottle.” - 100 Points, Jane Anson

"Unique aromas of hibiscus, cherries, violets, sandalwood and lychees. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied with very fine tannins that caress your mouth and leave a creamy impression. The tannins melt into the wine. Peach, citrus and cherry character at the end. It’s intensely fruity yet extremely refined and poised. A superb Chianti Classico. Gorgeous to drink now, but will be even better from 2027.” - 99 Points, James Suckling

"Unmistakably Chianti Classico in its light and translucent colour, ferrous and animal touches overlay a hypnotising array of kirsch, sandalwood, tobacco and damp earth, with a subtle cinnamon and roasted coffee frame. Blood orange and iron dominate a concentrated yet staggeringly bright mouthfeel. Youthfully clenching tannins underpin crunchy red cherries, undergrowth and seamlessly interwoven balsamic oak, loosening their grip in a munificent finish. Spontaneous fermentation was followed by ageing in a mix of new French and Austrian oak tonneaux, 500 hL casks and ceramic vats for 24 months. Total production amounted to 4,618 bottles in this vintage.” - 98 Points, Decanter:

Producer: Il Caggio

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese

Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml