Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2020
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Label
- 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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Vineyard Profile
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Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, 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 400-600 meters (1,300-1,970 feet)
- Exposure: South, southeast, southwest
- Density: 1,038-2,306 vines/acre
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 vintage began with a relatively warm winter and spring that resulted in the vines budding and flowering early. Temperatures dropped in the first 3 weeks of June only to rise again immediately and remain high throughout the summer. A particularly dry winter, but it rained abundantly in May and the first half of June. Rain stopped almost completely over the summer, but started again in August and during the harvest. Summer was hot and dry and the vines only underwent moderate water stress. Harvest took place a week earlier than in recent years. The grapes were perfectly healthy with thick skins and ripe seeds. The 2020 vintage produced wines that are a bright color and have a good acidity level without an excessive alcohol content. Compared to previous years they seem less concentrated but are more elegant.
- Harvest Date(s): September 15 - October 6
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in oak casks (combination of Slovenian and French) and minimum 3 months in bottle.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.6 g/L
- RS: 0.5 g/L
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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 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 — 2020 – Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points
“A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
"Juicy yet firmly structured, with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way."
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2020 – James Suckling – 94 Points
“Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish.”
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2020 – Vinous – 92 Points
“The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is terrific. Macerated dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, dried flowers and underbrush are some of the many notes that grace this super-expressive Riserva. The 2020 is a touch somber, but that only adds to its considerable allure.”