Chianti Classico DOCG – 2015
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Introduction
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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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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 1972-2004
- 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 2015 growing season was very warm. Beginning in May, the growth cycle of the grapevines began 10 days earlier than any time in our recorded vinicultural history at the winery. The month of July presented a very hot period, including record heat throughout all of Italy. This hot and dry condition resulted in vineyard hydro-stress, which accelerated the verasional development in the grape clusters. Temperatures remained very high during August and September with minimal days of rain. This warm late summer and early fall period guaranteed fantastic ripening and produced outstanding quality.
- Harvest Date(s): September 16-October 7
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in a combination of French and Slavonian oak casks
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 90% Sangiovsese, 10% Merlot
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 5.1g/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 – 2015 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Smooth and delicious, this opens with inviting scents of raspberry jam, cake spice, violet and a whiff of forest floor. The savory, juicy palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, truffle and star anise framed in polished tannins."
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2015 – 91 points – Vinous
“Volpaia's 2015 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, expressive wine with lovely textural depth and terrific balance ... Ripe dark and purplish stone fruit and spice notes meld together effortlessly. This is a stellar showing from Volpaia."
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2015 – 92 points – James Suckling
“A soft and velvety wine with chocolate, cedar and berry character. Medium to full body, velvety tannins and a fresh finish. Lively and delicious. Love the savory undertone to it.”
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Chianti Classico DOCG – 2015 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
"This juicy red has grip, setting the backdrop for pure cherry, blueberry, earth, iron and tobacco flavors. Though light-weight, this should develop over the next three to five years."