Chianti Classico DOCG – 2008
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Label
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The Label:
The Chianti Classico label features the Commenda di Sant’Eufrosino, the second of four churches built within the city’s walls. Attributed to Italian architect and sculptor Michelozzo di Bartolomeo (1396-1472), the church was built in 1443 by request of the Canigiani family who lived in Volpaia. One of the family members wished to join the Knights of Malta, a religious order and military brotherhood ruled by a Grand Master that answered only to the Pope. The Knights of Malta required that the Canigianis build a church in Volpaia before joining the religious order. The Commenda was deconsecrated in 1932 and declared a national monument in 1981. For 13 years, until 1993, the Commenda housed a renowned art collection. The Commenda is now used for dinners, tastings and other events and its basement contains one of Volpaia’s barrel-aging cellars.
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The Label:
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Campo alla Fonte (Syrah), Casavecchia, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Montanino, Pratolino, Santa Caterina (Merlot and Sangiovese), Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
- Appellation: Tuscany
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1970-2004
- Soil: All vineyards have light soil consisting of sandstone except Campo alla Fonte, which is sandstone and clay, and Castellino and Santa Maria Novella, which are composed of clay.
- Elevation: On slopes between 470 and 600 meters (1,300 and 1,970 feet)
- Exposure: A range of southern exposures
- Density: 2,564-5,006 vines/hectare (1,038-2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Volpaia uses cane pruning in all of its vineyards except Santa Caterina, which uses single-arched cane and Santa Maria Novella, which uses spur pruning.
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Vintage Report
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After a cold winter with very little rain, the vintage began with a typical budbreak. Low temperatures and abundant rainfall from April to June hampered the vines’ growth and flowering was later than usual. A hot, dry summer delayed veraison. After a cool September, October arrived and brought with it warm temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen fully.
- Harvest Date(s): September 26-October 17
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in oak casks
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Syrah
- Production (in cases): 11,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Cases Imported: 5,000
- Imported Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and robust aromas of fresh red fruit, including hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2008 – 4 Stars – Decanter
“Lovely earthy aromas of lychee, violet and hint of leather. Wild cherry palate with tobacco and mineral. Supple tannins and very good length.”
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2008 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
"...a pretty, mid-weight offering informed by tobacco, flowers, herbs and cherries. As is often the case in cooler years, these high-altitude vineyards tend to yield a more ethereal style of wine. It is a model of restrained elegance."