Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2007
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Introduction
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The Coltassala vineyard shares its name and location with a villa. The first Super-Tuscans were created in the 1970s by Chianti producers who rejected government mandates that determined which grapes were required to go into their wine, especially white grapes like Malvasia and Trebbiano. The Super-Tuscans were also treated differently from Chianti, aged in small French barriques rather than in large Slovenian casks. Because they did not follow 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 the government recognized the high quality of the Super-Tuscans and gave the wine its 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 Super-Tuscans. Now Coltassala is a Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG cru even though it’s the same Super-Tuscan wine of the 1980s.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Coltassala
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Size: 3.53 hectares (8.72 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 20-25 years
- Soil: Decomposing sandstone providing light soil rich in lime and texture
- Elevation: 518 meters (1,700 feet)
- Exposure: South
- Density: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Cane pruned
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Vintage Report
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Winter was mild; temperatures were normal during the spring months with little rain. Summer was hot and dry; temperatures in August were slightly lower but rose again in September. All of the the vines’ phenolic phases (sprouting, blossoming, veraison and ripening) were ahead of schedule by about 10 days. The yields were low with great quality and concentration.
- Harvest Date(s): October 5
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Mammolo
- Production Case Pack: 6-bottle wooden boxes
- Alcohol: 14.0%
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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 Riserva DOCG – 2007 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
“The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala is much more successful than the straight Riserva. Here, too, the French oak is quite present, but there is more than enough fruit to balance the oak. There is also a vibrancy that keeps the fruit fresh, while clean, minerally notes punctuate the finish.”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2007 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“There’s loads of black cherry and sweet tobacco character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. Layered and beautiful.”