Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011
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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: Ongoing plantings since 1970
- Soil: Sandstone
- Elevation: 518 meters (1,700 feet)
- Exposure: Southwest and southeast
- Density: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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2011 was a very hot, dry year, which made the phenolic phases — from budbreak to ripening — occur 10 days earlier than usual. Rain was concentrated in the month of June and was practically nonexistent for the remainder of the season. Vines were stressed by the heat and lack of rain, especially in the second half of August when temperatures reached their peak. Harvest was anticipated and required careful grape selection.
- Harvest Date(s): October 10
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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%
- TA: 5.45g/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 Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 17 points – JancisRobinson.com
“Mid ruby with orange tinges. Sweet, slightly charred cherry on the nose. Lovely concentration of sweet cherry on the palate framed by firm, chewy tannins. Drink this now to get the most out of it.”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"The focus is on cherry fruit in this red, accented by floral, mineral, leafy and tobacco notes. Firm and balanced, showing excellent length, with a lingering cherry element..."
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 90 points, Year’s Best Tuscan Reds – Wine & Spirits
“… a tightly structured wine that exhibits red and black fruit flavors accented by notes of tobacco, mint and anise. ....”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 91 points – jamessuckling.com
"Very ripe and almost jammy Chianti Classcio with dried strawberry, prune and stone character. Full body, round tannins and flavorful finish. Fruit-driven style. Organically grown grapes."