Chianti Classico DOCG — 2022
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Introduction
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WINERY Family-owned since 1967, located on a hilltop north of the town of Radda, 2,024 feet above sea level, highest vineyards in the Chianti Classico region.
WINE The Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva label features the della Volpaia family coat of arms. The family took its name from the village of Volpaia itself. Lorenzo della Volpaia (1446-1512), an architect, goldsmith, mathematician and clockmaker, founded a Florentine dynasty of clockmakers and scientific-instrument makers that included his sons Camillo, Benvenuto and Eufrosino, and nephew Girolamo. As clockmaker, Lorenzo gained fame and honor with the construction of the Orologio dei Pianeti (Planetary Clock). Lorenzo also built the clock at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. He was a friend of Leonardo da Vinci and took part in the discussions on the placement of Michelangelo’s David. The della Volpaia family instruments are on display at the Science Museums in Florence and Greenwich (United Kingdom), the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago.
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Label
- 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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Vineyard Profile
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At 2,000 feet, this is one of the highest-elevation wineries in the Chianti region. Produced within the 11th century historic walled village Volpaia, commune of Radda in Chianti.
- Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
- Location: Tuscany
- Cultivation: Organic
- Soil: Mostly sandstone & clay
- Elevation: On slopes between 1,300 – 1,870 ft.
- Exposure: South, southeast, southwest, east-southeast
- Density: 1,038-2,306 vines/acre
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Vintage Report
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In 2022, we had a warm winter with little rain. March started hot but turned cold, causing a delay in budding. From April, temperatures were generally above average with very little rain. Flowering began around May 20th. A hailstorm on July 7 slightly affected the entire wine estate. The first grapes started turning color on July 18th. Between August 16-19, there were heavy rains, but temperatures remained high. The berries had thick skins and ripe tannins. Harvesting took place from mid-September to early November.
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in large casks
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico is the pillar of Castello di Volpaia. It has a vivid ruby red color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. A well structured wine with a fruity finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Chianti Classico DOCG — 2022 – James Suckling – 93 Points
"A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish.”