Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2020
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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
- Elevation: 518 meters (1,700 feet)
- Exposure: South
- Density: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 vintage started warm, with early bud and flower growth. June saw a brief temperature drop, followed by consistently high temperatures throughout the summer. Despite not reaching peak highs, the summer was hot and dry, with moderate water stress for the vines. Rainfall was abundant in May and the first half of June, then again towards the end of August and during harvest. Compared to recent years, the harvest was about a week earlier. The grapes were healthy with thick skins and ripe seeds. The 2020 Volpaia wines are bright in color, with good acidity and a more elegant, less concentrated taste than previous years, without excessive alcohol content.
- Harvest Date(s): September 29th
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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: 14.5%
- TA: 5.5 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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Coltassala Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2020 – Jeb Dunnuck – 94 Points
“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is a deep jeweled red color and reveals a sweet perfume of polished leather, raspberry liqueur, candied roses, and sweet soil, with a touch of blue fruit coming through as well. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe tannins and rounded, red-berried fruit, and it has more modest acidity and a bit of black tea and forest herbs on the finish. It’s an appealing wine now, and although it will have a substantial and age-worthy life ahead, it may not be the longest-lived vintage of this wine.”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2020 – James Suckling – 95 Points
“Very attractive with ripe cherries, red plums, dark chocolate and spices with hints of dried lavender and citrus peel. Medium-bodied with lots of energy and tension. Tannins are polished and well-integrated. Very complete and balanced. Crunchy and long"
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
“Saturated with black currant, black cherry, iron and wild herb aromas and flavors, this red is firmly structured and shows fine harmony already in its youth. The supple texture is offset by well-integrated, dusty tannins, while the fruit echoes on the lingering finish.”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2020 – Vinous – 93 Points
'“A sleek, elegant wine. Silky contours and sweet floral notes lend finesse to this very pretty, nuanced Gran Selezione. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Hints of black cherry, plum, licorice and leather lend darkness throughout.”