Chianti Classico DOCG – 2016
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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
- Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
- 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 397-570 meters (1,300-1,870 feet)
- Exposure: A range of southern exposures
- Density: 2,564-5,682 vines/hectare (1,038-2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The year began with an initially hot then rainy spring up until the middle of June, followed by a hot and dry summer causing seriously drought-stressed vines. Heavy rain in the middle of September, followed by a drop in temperature has helped the
grapes mature perfectly. - Harvest Date(s): September 13-October 12
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in Slavonian casks
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Technical Information
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.6g/L
- RS: 0.8g/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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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico – 2016 – Vinous – 91 Points
The 2016 Chianti Classico is all class. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2016 offers a terrific expression of the estate in its mid-weight personality. All the elements meld together in this effortless, classy wine from the family. The 2016 is quite accessible today, but it also has enough brightness to age nicely for a number of years. What a pretty wine it is.
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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico – 2016 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Aromas of cherries, dried strawberries and red plums. Medium to full body, round and ripe tannins and a nice, fresh finish. Drink now.
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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico – 2016 – Vinous – 91 Points
The 2016 Chianti Classico is all class. Fresh, floral and beautifully lifted, the 2016 offers a terrific expression of the estate in its mid-weight personality. All the elements meld together in this effortless, classy wine from the family. The 2016 is quite accessible today, but it also has enough brightness to age nicely for a number of years. What a pretty wine it is.
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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico – 2016 – The Wine Advocate – 90+ Points
Showing ripe fruit and rich intensity, the 2016 Chianti Classico (made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot) would pair nicely next to pasta with extra cheese grated on top. This wine is bright and fruit-forward with the fresh acidity to cut though the fat in cheese, butter or cream...