Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – 2016
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Introduction
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The Coltassala vineyard shares its location and name with a villa. The first SuperTuscans 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
- 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 year began with an initially hot then rainy spring up until the middle of June, followed by a hot and dry summer causing seriously drought-stressed vines. Heavy rain in the middle of September, followed by a drop in temperature helped the grapes mature perfectly.
- Harvest Date(s): September 29
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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: 5.7 g/L
- RS: 0.4 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 Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2016 – Decanter – 95 Points
To date, the 2016 is the finest Coltassala – first released in 1980. Now classified as a single-vineyard Gran Selezione rather than an IGT ‘SuperTuscan’, Coltassala emphasises the freshness found at Castello di Volpaia due to the extra-high altitude. A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo, this classy Chianti Classico spends 24 months in new oak, with six months in bottle before release. The dark fruits, slight herbal edge and generous tannins make this a great partner for wild boar ragù.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2016 – Wine & Spirits – 93 Points
September rains and cool temperatures at harvest mitigated the hot, dry summer of 2016 here, allowing Volpaia to bring in a juicy Chianti Classico. Its red cherry flavors are concentrated enough to easily absorb the vanilla spice gained during its two years in new French oak barrels, the wine maintaining energy lift through the finish.
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Castello di Volpaia Coltassala, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG — 2016 – 91 Points
French oak, grilled herb, coconut and spiced plum aromas lead the nose. The firm, youthfully austere palate offers prune, coconut, star anise and roasted coffee bean framed in tightly wound fine-grained tannins. Drink 2024–2036.
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Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Coltassala Gran Selezione — 2016 – Wine Spectator – 95 Points
Piercing aromas of black currant, blackberry, violet and stone are augmented by earth, tobacco and underbrush flavors. A powerful red, with a muscular structure and a long finish. All the elements are there, but this needs time. Sangiovese and Mammolo. Best from 2023 through 2040.