Duel · Wines · 2 addresses
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja or Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli?
Two wines compared criterion by criterion with the editorial rating, the recorded price and the amenities. Verdict written by the code, based on the editorial team's justifications.
ABrunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja
Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja · More than 120 €
reliability high
461,16 € 514,20 €
BChianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli
Ricasoli · Over 120 €
reliability high
328,52 € 403,81 €
The verdict
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja neck and neck
8,1 versus 7,9: the gap is too small to separate them on the overall rating. The choice comes down to the criteria that matter to you, below.
Choose Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja if…
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG from the Sugarille cru, signed Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja, Sangiovese Grosso, 3 stars Veronelli and 5 grappoli Bibenda
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli if…
- you prioritise producteur & vinification (8,4 vs 8,1) : Ricasoli named and located at Castello di Brolio; steel fermentation at 24–27 °C, maceration 14–16 days, aging 22 months in 500 L casks, 30% new, plus 8 months.
- your budget matters: from €329 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Reliability high : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Tosco's word
Ricasoli's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (8.1) has the edge in terms of awards, with 94 to 96 from three guides, and it costs €41.07 for 75 cl in its 6 L format, compared with €230.58 for 75 cl of the Gaja Brunello (7.9) in magnum. If your budget is tight and you want a great estate red to share at the table, it's the most sensible choice. The Brunello is better suited to someone looking for a Montalcino cru for a special occasion who is willing to pay double.
Tosco only cites facts from this head-to-head: ratings, criteria, prices, amenities. Text calculated once, checked by the code.
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Sangiovese Grosso as the sole grape variety, Sugarille cru and clay-limestone soils: appellation and zone precisely expressed.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione from Gaiole in Chianti, 100% Sangiovese from the vigneti del Castello di Brolio: designation and zone precisely named.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…3 Veronelli stars and 5 Bibenda bunches of grapes, two high-level distinctions, for a renowned named producer: Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Three top-level distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95 and Robert Parker 94, with the producer Ricasoli named.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…At 230.58 € for the 75 cl equivalent, the 1.5 L magnum remains expensive but consistent with a distinguished Brunello DOCG; the struck-through price of 514.20 € is genuine.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…6 L large format at €328.52, i.e. €41.07 for the 75 cl, crossed-out price €403.81: consistent for a Gran Selezione rated 94–96.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Precise pairings (red meats, game, aged cheeses), detailed aromatic profile and serving at 16-18 °C: a demanding wine but well framed at the table.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Precise pairings (red meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta al ragù), detailed aromatic profile and service indicated at 16–18 °C.
Why these ratings?
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –…Estate named and located in Montalcino, steel fermentation, long maceration and aging of at least 5 years: practices detailed, organic status not specified.
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Ricasoli named and located at Castello di Brolio; steel fermentation at 24–27 °C, maceration 14–16 days, aging 22 months in 500 L casks, 30% new, plus 8 months.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG –… | Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se… |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 461,16 € | 328,52 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 230,58 € | 41,07 € |
| Estate | Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja | Ricasoli |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | high |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Montalcino | Chianti Classico |
| Price | More than 120 € | More than 120 € |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2021 | 2022 |
| Estate | Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja | Ricasoli |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
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Other duels
The other head-to-heads: Vins toscans à plus de 120 €
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Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole - Castello di Brolio – Ricasoli or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Le Chiuse?
Same rating, two different addresses
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Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole - Castello di Brolio – Ricasoli or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja ?
Same rating, two different addresses
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Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Le Chiuse or Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Pieve Santa Restituta Gaja ?
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