Renzo Cotarella is one of a handful of people who believe that the Gran Selezione category should be 100% Sangiovese. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano is an elegant and seamless mono-variety expression that shows loads of Sangiovese character in this classic vintage. Aged only in large oak casks, the wine sports fresh berry flavors with sweet tannins and a long, velvety finish. I feel that this wine might get buried between the many other products offered by Marchesi Antinori. I hope not because ultimately the Gran Selezione offers very specific, territory-driven qualities that set it apart.