Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2015
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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
- Composition: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Mammolo
- Size: 3.53 hectares (8.72 acres)
- Vine Age: Ongoing plantings since 1980
- Soil: Sandstone
- Exposure: South
- Density: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: Guyot
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Vintage Report
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The 2015 growing season was very warm. Beginning in May, the growth cycle of the grapevines began 10 days earlier than any time in our recorded vinicultural history at the winery. The month of July presented a very hot period, including record heat throughout
all of Italy. This hot and dry condition resulted in vineyard hydrostress, which accelerated the verasional development in the grape clusters. Temperatures remained very high during August and September with minimal days of rain. This warm late summer and early fall period guaranteed fantastic ripening and produced outstanding quality. - Harvest Date(s): October 23
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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
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 5.2 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 Chianti Classico Coltassala Gran Sezezione – 2015 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
A stunning red from start to finish, alluring for the cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and mineral aromas and flavors. There is grip too, along with bright acidity, ending in a long, resonant aftertaste. Really complex and balanced. Best from 2022 through 2036.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2015 – James Suckling – 96 Points (#90, Top 100 Italian Wines of 2018)
A decadent nose of vanilla, brambleberries, resin, coffee beans, tobacco and hot stones with a touch of citrus and other fresher elements. Full-bodied and very intense on the palate, but the ripe tannins also show plenty of firmness. The bright acidity carries this through to a delightfully long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2021.
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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala – 2015 – The Wine Advocate – 95 Points
This wine has now been upgraded from Riserva to Gran Selezione status. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is a beautifully enriched wine that bursts open with a satisfying display of bold fruit, ripe blackberry, tobacco, spice and tar. There is ample muscle and brawn, but the wine shows impressive balance thanks...