Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2008
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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 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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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 soil consisting of sandstone except Castellino and Santa Maria Novella, which are composed of clay.
- Elevation: On slopes between 400 and 600 meters (1,300 and 1,970 feet)
- Exposure: A range of southern exposures, southeast to southwest
- Density: 2,564-5,698 vines/hectare (1,038-2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Volpaia uses Guyot training (cane pruning) in all of its vineyards except Santa Caterina, which uses single-arched cane and Santa Maria Novella, which uses cordon spur pruning.
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Vintage Report
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Despite a cold winter with little rain, budbreak occured on time. Subsequent growth was slow due to low temperatures and abundant rain April to June. Because of hot summer weather and little rain, the vines were stressed and versaison delayed. A nice October followed a cool September, allowing the grapes to fully ripen, albeit at an average of 10 days later than previous vintages.
- Harvest Date(s): September 27-October 10
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in 80% Slovenian and French oak casks and 20% new French oak barriques
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
- Production (in cases): 5,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby-red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This 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 – 2008 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“Blueberry and blackberry flavors are married to a lean, wiry frame. Hints of flowers and mineral add dimension, and this closes down on the finish….”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2008 – 91 points – The Wine Advocate
"...a beautiful, precise wine laced with sweet dark cherries, menthol, tobacco, minerals and spices. It shows gorgeous clarity and precision in a highly appealing, mid-weight style."