Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2009
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Label
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The Label:
The Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva label features the della Volpaia family coat of arms. The family took its name from the village of Volpaia itself. Lorenzo della Volpaia (1446-1512), an architect, goldsmith, mathematician and clockmaker, founded a Florentine dynasty of clockmakers and scientific-instrument makers that included his sons Camillo, Benvenuto and Eufrosino, and nephew Girolamo. As clockmaker, Lorenzo gained fame and honor with the construction of the Orologio dei Pianeti (Planetary Clock). Lorenzo also built the clock at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. He was a friend of Leonardo da Vinci and took part in the discussions on the placement of Michelangelo’s David. The della Volpaia family instruments are on display at the Science Museums in Florence and Greenwich (United Kingdom), the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.
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The Label:
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Caterina Vecchia, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1970-2002
- Soil: All vineyards have light soil consisting of sandstone except Castellino and Santa Maria Novella, which are composed of clay.
- Elevation: On slopes between 400 and 600 meters (1,300 and 1,970 feet)
- Exposure: A range of southern exposures, southeast to southwest
- Density: 2,564-5,698 vines/hectare (1,038-2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Volpaia uses the guyot training system in all its vineyards except Santa Caterina Vecchia (single-arched cain) and Santa Maria Novella (cordon spur).
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Vintage Report
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The 2009 vintage began with abundant precipitation until mid-June, followed by a long, hot, dry season lasting until October. Ripening was slow due to the heat and lack of rainfall, particularly in the vineyards with sandy soil.
- Harvest Date(s): September 25-October 9
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in 80% Slovenian and French oak casks and 20% new French oak barriques
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby-red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2009 – 90 points – The Tasting Panel
“Fresh, bright and racy with tangy plum and raspberry fruit; juicy, lively and charming with balance, depth and style; snappy and long.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2009 – 92 points – jamessuckling.com
“Dried fruits with hints of pepper and dark chocolate on the nose. Full and chewy yet balanced and delicious.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2009 – 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
“At the heart of the Chianti Classico region, this estate is responsible for some of the most elegant and traditional expressions of this fabled wine. A bright cherry flavor is framed by oak-driven tones of vanilla spice and mocha.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2009 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
“The sweet black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors highlight this powerful, polished red. The fruit, earth and spice notes prevail as the tannic grip emerges on the finish.”