Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2004
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Label
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The Label:
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 in contact with 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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The Label:
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Caterina Vecchia, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1970–2002
- Soil: All vineyards have light soils consisting of sandstone except Castellino (clay) and Santa Maria Novella (clay).
- Elevation: On slopes between 1,300–1,970 ft.
- Exposure: South, southeast, southwest
- Density: 1,038–2,306 vines/acre
- Training: Volpaia uses the guyot training system in all its vineyards except Santa Caterina Vecchia (single-arched cain) and Santa Maria Novella (cordon spur).
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Vintage Report
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April and May temperatures were below average, delaying budbreak. Fortunately May was also rainy, allowing the vines to build up reserves of water for the warm summer months. It became apparent early in the season that yields would be very high in 2004, and Castello di Volpaia worked hard in the vineyards to ensure that the vines stayed healthy and well-balanced. Excellent September temperatures meant that the grapes kept their aromas. Harvest began in late August, while the late-ripening grapes were harvested at the end of September. Despite rain just before harvest, all the grapes were very healthy when they arrived in the cellars.
- Harvest Date(s): September 10–October 10, 2004
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months — 80% in oak casks (combination of Slovenian and French), 20% in new French oak barriques from Seguin Moreau
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
- Production (in cases): 6,500 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Cases Imported: 1,250 cases
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- TA: 5.3 g/L
- p H: 1.7 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red with a trace of garnet color. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2004 – 89 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Castello di Volpaia’s Riserva offers dense aromas of black fruit and exotic spice with lighter shadings of cinnamon and clove. The wine is tart and chewy with a fine quality of its tannins that would work with most pasta or gnocchi dishes.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2004 – 88 points – Wine Spectator
“Interesting ripe fruit and fresh mushroom. Medium-to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Drink now.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2004 – 93 points – Wine & Spirits
“Compressed into espresso scents...The extract evolves into rich, sweet cherry flavor, the tannins grow more classical, a peppery caress...Grilled sausages pick up on the wine’s complex tannin and bring out its compelling spice.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2004 – 4 stars, Highly Recommended – Decanter
“Characteristic medium-bodied elegance of this high-altitude estate.”