Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2013
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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 Super-Tuscans. Now Coltassala is a Chianti Classico.
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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: 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 growing season began with mild and damp spring conditions from abundant rainfall that continued into early summer. Temperatures remained below normal during the month of June, resulting in late bud break and flowering of the vines. July and August saw warm temperatures which assisted in vine growth, grape veraison and ripening. Cooler temperatures prevailed in late summer delaying the harvest to the more traditional time of mid-September, similar to conditions 15 years ago. The vintage produced wines that are balanced and elegant.
- Harvest Date(s): October 14
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Vinification
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- Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Mammolo
- Production Case Pack: 6/750 ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.3g/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 – 2013 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Aromas of underbrush, toasted oak and dark spice emerge on this firmly structured wine. It’s rather austere, evoking dried black cherry, cranberry, star anise and espresso framed in racy acidity. Taut, close-grained tannins grip the finish."
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2013 – 95 points – Vinous
“... remarkable purity, precision and nuance, all in an energetic, translucent style ...cedar, tobacco and lifted floral notes ... The 2013 Coltassala is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted at Volpaia. Don't miss it."
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2013 – 94 points – James Suckling
“An extremely soft yet tensioned Chianti Classico with cherry and berry character. Hints of walnut. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish.”
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Coltassala, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – 2013 – 91 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala is a tame and polished wine that shows an elegant and streamlined disposition. The wine glides cleanly over the palate with bright berry tones followed by wet earth, pressed rose and balsam herb..."