This hot 2017 vintage tended to simplify the naturally complex Sangiovese grape across the board. That's the impression I get with the Famiglia Cecchi 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia. The wine definitely shows the heat of the vintage with aromas that recall baked berry, dark plum and scorched earth. It offers mid-weight concentration and solid fruit weight, but it lacks the nuance and finesse you might get in a cooler growing season. Some 13,000 bottles of this wine were released from this winery based in beautiful Castellina in Chianti.

This is a pure expression of Sangiovese. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Valore di Famiglia is extra plump and rich with a sunny disposition that reflects this beautiful vintage. Dark fruit and spice find supple harmony and move with slow determination over the palate. The wine shows soft tannins and lasting dark fruit flavors. Some 13,000 bottles were made.