Duel · Wines · 2 addresses
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli ou Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini ?
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.
AChianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli
Ricasoli · Over 120 €
reliability high
328,52 € 403,81 €
BChianti DOCG Riserva – Melini
Melini · Under €15
reliability medium
7,55 € 9,27 €
The verdict
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli takes the lead
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli scores 8,1/10, ahead of Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini (7,6). 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from Castello di Brolio in Gaiole, rated 94–96 by three guides and sold in a 6 L format. Only drawback: the price of €41.07 for the 75 cl remains high for a trial purchase.
Choose Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gaiole – Ricasoli if…
- you want the safest value in the duel: best overall score (8,1), level with or ahead on typicité & terroir, reconnaissance et polyvalence à table
- you prioritise reconnaissance (8,6 vs 6,1) : Three top-level distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95 and Robert Parker 94, with the producer Ricasoli named.
- 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.
Its weak point in this head-to-head: rapport qualité/prix (7,4). 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.
Choose Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini if…
- you prioritise rapport qualité/prix (8,1 vs 7,4) : At €7.55, crossed-out price €9.27, this Chianti DOCG Riserva remains well positioned for a bottle of this level.
- your budget matters: from €8 / btl, the lowest price in the head-to-head
Its weak point in this head-to-head: reconnaissance (6,1). No distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
Reliability high / medium : ratings based on the file of each listing, not on a stay by our team · Ratings of the 20 October 2026 · Our rating method
Criterion by criterion
The 5 criteria of the score
Why these ratings?
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.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniChianti DOCG Riserva appellation and Sangiovese grape variety named, Chianti area; cherry and violet notes consistent. No specific sub-zone.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Three top-level distinctions: James Suckling 96, Wine Spectator 95 and Robert Parker 94, with the producer Ricasoli named.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniNo distinction or guide cited for this Chianti Riserva; the producer Melini is named, with no attested reputation in the texts.
Why these ratings?
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.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniAt €7.55, crossed-out price €9.27, this Chianti DOCG Riserva remains well positioned for a bottle of this level.
Why these ratings?
Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se…Precise pairings (red meats, roasts, mushrooms, pasta al ragù), detailed aromatic profile and service indicated at 16–18 °C.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniFood pairings cited (red meats, game, aged cheeses), profile of cherry, spices, violet, serving at 18-20 °C; fairly limited range of pairings.
Why these ratings?
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.
Chianti DOCG Riserva – MeliniProducer Melini named, traditional vinification with extended maceration and aging of at least 24 months; neither organic nor manual harvesting specified.
Features
Price, estate, grape variety, vintage
What is written on the listing. “Not specified” is not “no”.
| Criterion | Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Se… | Chianti DOCG Riserva – Melini |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | 328,52 € | 7,55 € |
| Price per 75 cl | 41,07 € | 7,55 € |
| Estate | Ricasoli | Melini |
| Traveller rating | not specified | not specified |
| Reliability of our score | high | medium |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Area | Chianti Classico | Chianti |
| Price | More than 120 € | Under €15 |
| Grape variety | Sangiovese | Sangiovese |
| Vintage | 2022 | 2021 |
| Estate | Ricasoli | Melini |
| Bottle or gift box | Wines | Wines |
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