Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011
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Label
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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.
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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: South, southeast, 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).
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Vintage Report
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2011 was a very hot, dry year, which made the phenolic phases — from budbreak to ripening — occur 10 days earlier than usual. Rain was concentrated in the month of June and was nonexistent the remainder of the season. Vines were stressed by the heat and lack of rain, especially in the second half of August, where the temperature reached its peak. Harvest required careful grape selection.
- Harvest Date(s): September 14-October 6
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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
- Alcohol: 14.5%
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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 – 2011 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
"A broad, rangy Chianti Classico, featuring cherry, leather, tobacco and mineral flavors. Balanced, staying focused and long on the tobacco- and licorice-tinged aftertaste."
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
“…dark chocolate and spice backed by a much larger component of red cherry fruit and blackberry. This Riserva shows a pretty sense of restraint and authority with bright berry notes and dried spice that are integrated and fine."
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 93 points – jamessuckling.com
"Fresh strawberry jam with forest autumn leaves and a hint of white truffle. Silky tannins with fresh wild strawberry and gentle wood. Silky, elegant texture."