Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2021
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Introduction
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WINERY Family-owned since 1967, located on a hilltop north of the town of Radda, 2,024 feet above sea level, highest vineyards in the Chianti Classico region.
WINE Iconic wine from Castello di Volpaia made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. Representing the rebirth of Chianti Classico as a fine wine region, it was the first ever Chianti that made it to the top 3 of “Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the Year” with the 2015 vintage.
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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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At 2,000 feet, this is one of the highest-elevation wineries in the Chianti region. The vineyards are located in Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia.
- Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
- Location: Tuscany
- Cultivation: Organic
- Vine Age: Planted 1970-2002
- Soil: Mostly Clay
- Exposure: South, southeast, southwest
- Density: 1,038-2,306 vines/acre
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Vintage Report
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The 2021 vintage started with a hot March, followed by a sharp temperature drop in early April, which fortunately did not damage the buds much. April and May had lowerthan-average temperatures and a lot of rain. Summer was very hot with little rainfall. From mid-August, temperatures became milder with continued little rain. The harvest began slightly earlier than usual.
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Vinification
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24 months in oak casks (combination of Slovenian and French) and minimum 3 months in bottle.
- 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: 14%
- TA: 4 g/L
- p H: 3.26
- RS: <0.5 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The Chianti Classico Riserva boasts a beautiful ruby red hue, accented with a subtle trace of garnet, which adds to its visual appeal. On the nose, it offers an elegant bouquet that delicately displays hints of spice and fruit, creating a complex and inviting aroma. This wine is exceptionally well structured, featuring smooth and refined tannins that give it a balanced and harmonious character.
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Images
Reviews
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2021 – James Suckling – 93 Points
'"A textured, driven and flavorful riserva with aromas of dark cherries, wild currants, dried herbs and some stones. It’s medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Focused and precise, with a velvety core of succulent cherries at the center and a solid and harmonious frame of tannins. Lively and flavorful finish with excellent length."
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Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
"This expressive red features cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and orange peel aromas and flavors. Mineral and wild herb accents add depth as this cruises to the long finish, offering terrific balance and length. Though impressive now, this should evolve nicely."