Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021: Value Meets Top-Tier Tuscany
Costco’s Kirkland Signature strikes again with a Gran Selezione Chianti Classico that’s priced for Tuesday night but dressed for Saturday dinner. Reverse Wine Snob’s latest look at the 2021 vintage reads like a love letter to well-made Sangiovese: authentic fruit, confident structure, and that dry, grippy finish we crave with food. At $19.99 (imported by Ethica Wines and produced/bottled by Basilica Cafaggio SARL), this bottle sits in rare air for Gran Selezione—a designation that’s usually not shy about charging more.
Reverse Wine Snob calls the 2021 “nicely balanced and open even from the first sip” — Reverse Wine Snob. The nose leads with black cherry, spice, a leathery note, and cool touches of wintergreen/mint. The palate stays smooth and a bit chewy, with juicy fruit and zesty blood orange threading through the mid-palate. The finish? “Dry, long and grippy,” with a whisper of tobacco — Reverse Wine Snob.
Style Snapshot
- Grape variety: Primarily Sangiovese (estate fruit from Chianti Classico)
- Region/appellation: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
- Designation & aging: Gran Selezione; 30 months in large Slavonian oak (30 hL), plus 3 months in bottle
- Style descriptors: Dry, medium-bodied, black cherry, spice, blood orange, mint, earthy undertones, tobacco on the finish
- ABV: 14%
- Availability & price: Costco exclusive, $19.99
Why Gran Selezione Matters
Gran Selezione is Chianti Classico’s top tier—think varsity jacket, not JV. It mandates estate-grown grapes and a minimum of 30 months of aging (compared to 24 for Riserva and 12 for regular Classico). The use of large Slavonian oak casks is classic for Tuscany: bigger barrels mean less overt oak flavor and more focus on fruit purity, texture, and structure.
Common knowledge says Sangiovese brings cherry-driven fruit, lively acidity, and savory edges that make it a superstar at the table. What’s cool here is the source’s note of blood orange and mint—details that signal brightness and lift without sacrificing depth. That combination usually translates to excellent versatility with food, and Reverse Wine Snob confirms the wine stayed composed and delicious on day two. In their words: “This is a worthy addition to the Kirkland Signature line!” — Reverse Wine Snob.
How It Stacks Up
Reverse Wine Snob has been bullish on previous vintages (2019 and 2020), and the 2021 keeps that roll going with the same balanced, spice-forward profile and dry, persistent finish. It’s priced below many Gran Selezione bottlings, and while you won’t get the showy new-oak gloss of some modern Tuscan styles, the large-cask approach spotlights Sangiovese’s core: red-to-black fruit, savory spice, and firm but food-loving tannin.
Translation for your cart: if you love classic Chianti Classico—dry, elegant, and built for a meal—this Costco pick hits the mark without hitting your budget too hard.
Best Occasion & Pairing Direction
Best occasion: Casual Italian night with friends, pizza-and-wine Fridays, or a low-key steak dinner that still feels special.
Best pairing direction: Tomato-based pastas, Margherita or sausage pizzas, grilled chicken or pork with herbs, and aged Italian cheeses (Pecorino, Parmigiano). The wine’s acidity and grip clean up rich sauces; the citrus and spice brighten savory dishes.
Bottom line: If you’re a Costco member and Chianti Curious—or full-on Sangiovese enthusiast—this Gran Selezione is a smart buy that brings authentic Tuscan character to the weekday table. Reverse Wine Snob stamped it “Recommended Buy,” and the details back it up: estate fruit, serious aging, and the kind of dry, structured finish that keeps you reaching for another bite and another sip.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/kirkland-signature-chianti-classico-gran-selezione/
