Costco’s wine aisle has a way of turning budget-friendly labels into weekly staples. The Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021 aims higher—top-tier Chianti credentials paired with a price that won’t make you wince. Reverse Wine Snob took it for a spin, and the verdict leans strongly in the “stock up” direction.
Style snapshot: Tuscany’s flagship, the budget edition
Let’s set the scene. Gran Selezione is the upper echelon of Chianti Classico—stricter requirements, longer aging, and estate-grown grapes only. This Kirkland bottling is sourced from the Basilica Cafaggio estate and aged 30 months in large Slavonian oak (30 hL), then a minimum three months in bottle. It’s exclusively at Costco for $19.99, imported by Ethica Wines.
Region/appellation: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Grape variety: Primarily Sangiovese (at least 80% estate-grown)
Style descriptors: Dry; medium-bodied with structured, grippy tannins; spice and earthy undertones
According to Reverse Wine Snob, the 2021 vintage opens with black cherry, spice, and a leathery note, plus minty lift. The palate shows balance from the first sip, with juicy fruit, zesty blood orange, and a steady build of spice through the mid-palate. The finish is where the Classico identity really flexes: “It’s dry, long and grippy with more of the same flavors plus a hint of tobacco.” —Reverse Wine Snob
Context: What the designation tells you
Chianti Classico, the heart-shaped core of the Chianti region, is Sangiovese country—think red cherry, savory herbs, and that signature sangiovese acidity that loves food as much as you do. Gran Selezione sits above Riserva and Annata, requiring 30 months of aging versus 24 for Riserva and 12 for straight Classico. In other words, this tier promises polish, depth, and estate-level consistency.
The Kirkland angle matters because Gran Selezione bottlings often punch past $25–$40. Seeing one at $19.99 signals a value-forward play with serious credentials. Reverse Wine Snob has liked prior vintages (2019 and 2020) and calls the 2021 a “worthy addition” with a recommended-buy nudge—taste score 9 (91–93 points) and overall rating 7.5. That’s solid for a weekday-to-weekend bridge wine.
How it drinks: Interpreting the notes
The site’s descriptors—black cherry, spice, leathery tones, mint/wintergreen, and blood orange—map neatly to classic Sangiovese, but the citrus lift and mint echoes suggest lively acidity and freshness despite the extended aging. If you think “oak-aged Italian red” equals heavy vanilla and jam, this leans more savory and structured. Reverse Wine Snob also highlighted texture: “Smooth and a bit chewy with juicy fruit.” —Reverse Wine Snob
Translation for the dinner table: this is dry, medium-bodied, and built on acidity plus grippy tannins. It wants salt, fat, and umami—not sweet sauces. If you’re pairing, think rustic, not fussy.
Best occasion + pairing direction
Best occasion: Pizza night that got fancy, or a casual dinner party where you want to look like you know what you’re doing without a spreadsheet of crus.
Best pairing direction: Tomato-based pastas (all’amatriciana, puttanesca), herbed roast chicken, grilled sausages, or a mushroom-and-parmesan situation. Aged Pecorino works in a pinch.
The takeaway: Buy intent and why
If you like Chianti’s savory lane and want a step up from basic Classico without stepping up the price, this Kirkland Gran Selezione checks the boxes—estate-grown Sangiovese, proper aging, and a profile that reads classic Tuscan with a modern polish. It’s approachable on opening, improves with air, and holds together on day two. That’s the Costco magic trick: Monday-friendly price, Saturday-ready pedigree.
Minor caveat: Vintage variation exists (it’s wine, not kombucha), and some Gran Selezione bottlings can carry more density or oak sheen. Here, the balance and spice-driven profile should please most Sangiovese fans.
Bottom line: If your cart oscillates between olive oil, rotisserie chicken, and something red for the week, add this. It’s textbook Chianti Classico structure with enough fruit and lift to keep things lively—value without the trade-offs.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/kirkland-signature-chianti-classico-gran-selezione/
