Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2017
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Introduction
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The Coltassala vineyard shares its location and name with a villa. The first Super-Tuscans were created in the 1970s by Chianti Classico producers who rejected government mandates that determined which grapes were required to go into their wine, especially with grapes like Trebbiano and Malvasia. The Super-Tuscans were also treated differently from Chianti, aged in small French barriques rather than large Slavonian oak casks. Because the Super-Tuscans did not follow the DOC regulations, the Super-Tuscans were entitled only to the lowest official designation of the time—Vino da tavola. It wasn’t until 1994 that government recognized the high quality of Super-Tuscans and gave the wine it’s own category—IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica). Volpaia first released Coltassala in 1980 as a Super-Tuscan. The Chianti Classico appellation followed suit, closing the quality gap between Chianti Classico and SuperTuscans. Now Coltassala is a Chianti Classico Riserva Cru even though it’s the same SuperTuscan wine of 1980.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Coltassala
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Size: 3.53 hectares (8.72 acres)
- Vine Age: Ongoing plantings since 1980
- Soil: Light; Sandstone
- Exposure: South
- Density: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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A record year for heat and drought throughout the growing season. This condition presented extremes which began early bud break in the vineyard followed by a spring frost over late April. The frost affected the lower portions of the Volpaia estate. Spring and summer months were dry with higher than average temperatures. Rainfall in mid September helped the grapes achieve complete ripeness of tannins and other phenolic compounds despite low yields.
- Harvest Date(s): September 22
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in new French oak, and a minimum 6 month in the bottle
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Mammolo
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- TA: 6.1 g/L
- RS: 0.8 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The Coltassala has a vivid ruby color. This is a well-structured, complex wine with an elegant nose and hints of vanilla, cacao and fruit.
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Images
Reviews
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2017 – Wine & Spirits – 94 Points
Intensely ripe layers of cherry and raspberry coulis peppered with notes of warm spice. Hints of tarragon and tobacco emerge with more time, the flavors buoyed by vibrant acidity that will keep the wine fresh in the cellar while those taut tannins soften.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 93 Points
A real beauty, the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala (made with organic fruit) shows medium-rich textural fiber with plenty of dark fruit, cherry, spice and leather. The important thing to mention here is how light and elegantly fragrant this wine remains despite the considerable heat and dryness of the growing season. In fact, all those fruit tones emerge with terrific purity and focus, backed by acidity and integrated structure, that invite an evening-long sampling with some medium-aged pecorino.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2017- Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points
Aromas of exotic spice, dried aromatic herb, camphor and wood shop shape the nose. The austere palate shows dried cherry, prune and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that clench the lean finish. Give it a few more years so the tannins can unwind then drink sooner rather than later to capture the remaining fruit.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2017 – Vinous – 93 Points
The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is striking. Rich and ample, with tremendous depth, the 2017 shows all of the mystique that makes Sangiovese so alluring. Sweet dark cherry, dark plum, leather, licorice, menthol and tobacco build as the 2017 shows off its breadth and personality. The Coltassala has a bit more volume and oak influence than the other Volpaia wines, but it's an approach that works so well here.