Castello di Volpaia

Tuscany, Italy

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2010

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  • Label

    • The Label:

      TThe 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.

  • 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 the guyot training system in all its vineyards except Santa Caterina Vecchia (single-arched cain) and Santa Maria Novella (cordon spur).
  • Vintage Report

    • 2010 was characterized by a fresh, rainy season causing a delay of nearly one week in all phenological phases. Mild summer temperatures and plenty of water in the soil led to good plant development and high yields. Harvest started slightly later compared to previous years.

    • Harvest Date(s): September 24-October 10
  • Vinification

    • Barrel Aging: 24 months in 80% Slovenian and French oak casks and 20% new French oak barriques
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
    • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • Tasting Notes

    • 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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Reviews

  • Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2010 – 91 points – vinous

    “Dark ruby-red. Red berries, violet, rose and tobacco sing from the glass. Sweetly spicy on the palate, with cinnamon and nutmeg notes complicating the dark plum and red berry flavors. Finishes lively and bright…with polished tannins.”

  • Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2010 – 2014 New York Wine Experience: Pairing With the Best – Wine Spectator

    "'I thought the wine would be great with the trotter but did not appreciate that the acid would have absolutely no problem with the parsley, shallots and mustard.' The audience chose the Chianti."

  • Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2010 – 93 points, Top 100 at a Glance – Wine Spectator

    "…unlike other areas, the Volpaia vineyards possess sandy soils, creating more elegant wines. A terrific value, this 100 percent Sangiovese riserva is elegant and complex, with floral and mineral notes."

  • Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2010 – 93 points, Top Value, Top 100 Wine – Wine Spectator

    “This enticing red offers floral, strawberry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors. Elegant and harmonious, showing no shortage of structure, this has fine complexity, with a lingering aftertaste of berry and mineral.”

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