Chianti Classico DOCG – 2013
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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, Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Montanino, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria Novella and Vignavecchia
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1972-2010
- Soil: All vineyards have light soil consisting of sandstone except Castellino and Santa Maria Novella, which are composed of clay, and Montanino, which is composed of sandstone and clay.
- Elevation: On slopes between 400 and 570 meters (1,312 and 1,870 feet)
- Exposure: A range of southern exposures
- Density: 2,564-5,682 vines/hectare (1,038-2,300 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The growing season began with mild and damp spring conditions from abundant rainfall that continued into early summer. Temperatures remained below normal during the month of June, resulting in late budbreak and flowering. July and August saw warm temperatures which assisted in vine growth, grape veraison and ripening. Cooler temperatures prevailed in late summer delaying harvest to the more traditional time of mid-September, similar to conditions 15 years ago. The vintage produced wines that are balanced and elegant.
- Harvest Date(s): September 26-October 16
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in large oak casks
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
- Alcohol: 13%
- TA: 5.6g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with 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 – 2013 – Wines of the Year 2015: Best Alternative Red – Tom Simoneau: The Wine Guy
"From the hilltop village of Volpaia, this is one of the highest elevation wineries in Chianti. Vineyard is at 1300 to 2100 feet."
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2013 – 90 points – The Planet Grape Wine Review
"Light and zesty with notes of lemon zest, sour cherry, sundried tomato, sage and leather. Organically grown grapes."
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2013 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
"This rich version is laced with cherry, almond and earth flavors, all backed by a smooth texture and refined tannins. Long, evoking leather and earth notes on the finish."
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2013
The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish.