Chianti Classico DOCG — 2021
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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
- Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Montanino, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1972-2004
- Soil: All vineyards have light soils consisting of sandstone except Castellino (clay) and Santa Maria Novella (clay), and Montanino (sandstone and clay).
- Elevation: On slopes between 1,300 – 1,870 ft.
- Exposure: South, southeast, southwest, east-southeast
- Density: 1,038-2,306 vines/acre
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The 2021 vintage began with a rather hot March which was followed by a sharp drop in temperature at the beginning of April. Fortunately, this did not cause much damage to the buds. April and May were characterized by lower than average temperatures and plenty of rain. Summer was very hot and there was very little rainfall. From mid-August temperatures became milder with little rain continuing. The harvest began slightly earlier than usual.
- Harvest Date(s): Hand picked; Beginning of September until mid October 2021
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in large casks
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.8 g/L
- RS: 0.5 g/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 — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
"Castello di Volpaia makes several high-end Chianti Classicos, including a riserva along with two single-vineyard gran selezione, yet it’s the 2021 annata that provides an ideal combination of quality and value. This racy version boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors, with firm tannins and flashes of Mediterranean scrub. Volpaia’s high-elevation vineyards in the UGA Radda, ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, yield wines of elegance and vigor."
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Chianti Classico DOCG — 2021 – Jeb Dunnuck – 90 Points
“A bright ruby color, the 2021 Chianti Classico is expressive on opening with aromas of grenadine, candied red flowers, orange peel, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, it’s linear and graceful, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. A very charming wine, it’s prime for drinking over the next few years.”
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Chianti Classico DOCG — 2021 – Vinous – 92 Points
“The 2021 Chianti Classico is an absolute joy. Fragrant, silky and super-expressive, the 2021 captures all the finesse of Radda. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and mint are all beautifully delineated in a vibrant, mid-weight Chianti Classico that has so much to offer. This is a fine showing.”
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Chianti Classico DOCG — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
“Boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors. A firm line of tannins works in concert with the acidity, while flashes of Mediterranean scrub peek through. Mouthwatering finish.”