Chianti Classico DOCG – 2019
-
Introduction
-
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.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Montanino, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria Novella, 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
-
Vintage Report
-
A hot March was followed by a very cold and wet April and May. Good weather started on June 10 and continued through the end of the month, with early July very hot and dry. The heat was sometimes intense from mid-July to the end of August, with occasional rain that kept the soil suitably wet. Through September and the first half of October the weather was mostly beautiful, interspersed with rainfalls.
- Harvest Date(s): September 24 - October 11
-
-
Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in large casks
-
Technical Information
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.5 g/L
- RS: 0.6 g/L
-
Tasting Notes
-
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.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
Juicy cherry, strawberry and currant fruit abounds, along with a savory side sporting thyme, juniper and earth notes. It finishes with dusty tannins.
-
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG — 2019 – Vinous – 91 Points
The 2019 Chianti Classico is an attractive, mid-weight wine. Silky and beautifully perfumed, this mid-weight Chianti Classico is a terrific example of the lithe style that is so typical of Radda. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red berries and tobacco linger.
-
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG — 2019 – Decanter – 90 Points
Subtle in its expression, this takes some time to open up, then reveals decisive fennel, red plum, white pepper and lavender. Velvety fruit is ripe yet crunchy, punctuated by herbal notes, while the discreet powdery tannins are youthful and grapey in natural. Modest yet delicious.”