Chianti Classico DOCG BIO 2021

Chianti Classico DOCG BIO 2021 / Castello di Albola / Tuscany

Red wine from Italy

The medieval village of Castello di Albola rises on the splendid Chianti hills halfway between the cities of Florence and Siena. Here, where the Etruscans had their home, you will find the winemakers of Castello di Albola, who grow wine on 125 hectares.

In the ancient lands of Castello di Albola, where notorious Tuscan noble families such as the Pazzi had their headquarters, the vine has flourished for centuries, yielding perfect fruit in these landscapes dedicated to the purest beauty. Here, Tuscany is a dazzling jewel that, while requiring daily dedication and constant care, rewards its lovers with exceptional wines. The winegrowers of Castello di Albola have dedicated themselves entirely to the art of making first-class wines from the noble Sangiovese grape.

The Chianti was probably one of the first Italian wines to be professionally marketed at the beginning of the 18th century. The red grape variety Sangiovese is one of the most important in Italy and has been proven to have been cultivated in this area by the Etruscans over 2500 years ago. The name Sangiovese comes from late Latin and means in translation "Jupiter's blood".

In 2020, a rather cool spring was followed by a long, hot summer with good temperature differences between day and night. This enabled an optimal conclusion of the ripening process of the grapes. In the months of June and September there was sufficient rainfall and a lot of wind, which protected the vines from fungal diseases and also kept other stress away. From ripening to harvesting, the grapes developed optimally thanks to the prevailing climatic conditions.

The locations for the Chianti Classico of Castello di Albola are on limestone soils at an altitude of 350 to 600 meters. Here the vines are raised in the guyot and cordon system. The hand-picked Sangiovese grapes are pressed very carefully on the mash using the traditional fermentation method. The wine is then aged for twelve months in Slavonian oak barrels, in which its strong personality develops. The final maturation and refinement then take place in its bottle.

This Chianti Classico contains all the outstanding characteristics of the vineyards of Castello di Albola. The Sangiovese grapes are carefully harvested and vinified in purity in the traditional style of the high hill areas of the Radda in Chianti zone, which helps to emphasize its terroir personality, in which above all the important minerality, the freshness of the sip and the general elegance stand out. The terroir is crucial here!

The ruby red Chianti, which tends to garnet red, exudes a fine bouquet with hints of violets. The taste of this classic of Italian viticulture is dry and its fruit-acid ratio is harmonious. Its elegant structure is underlined by a velvety texture. Its finale goes on for a long time.

The Chianti Classico BIO DOCG reveals its full aroma best when appropriately aerated before serving. This can be achieved by decanting or allowing it to breathe in a generous glass. At an optimal drinking temperature of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, it showcases its full potential, especially when paired with hearty Italian dishes. A simple bruschetta with tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a delicious appetizer that pairs wonderfully with Chianti Classico. It also complements dishes featuring tomato sauces, such as Pasta al Ragù (sometimes known as Bolognese outside of Italy) or Pasta Arrabbiata. The robust flavour of Chianti Classico also pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, be it steak, lamb, or chicken. A piece of Parmesan or Pecorino makes for an ideal accompaniment to a glass of Chianti Classico. Finally, the rich flavour profile and robust structure of Chianti Classico shine particularly well when enjoyed with game dishes such as deer or wild boar.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Castello d'Albola - Via Pian d’Albola, 31 - 53017 Radda in Chianti (Siena) - Italia - +39 0577 738019
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese from Radda in Chianti.
• Soil type: The vineyards are cultivated at altitudes between 350 and 650 metres. The lands are located on the hills of Alberese, originated from Pliocene marine deposits. As a result, the area is characterized by a clayey soil, with good internal drainage due to the presence of fine gravel (Galestro and Alberese).
• Training method: Guyot and cordon system.
• Winemaking: The grapes are hand-picked and carefully vinified according to the traditional fermentation method on grape skins, to bring out the strong personality lent by the area of Radda in Chianti. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, and then in bottles.
• Sensory characteristics: Dry, harmonious, elegant and velvety flavor. Overall, he has a harmonious body with pleasant tannins. In the end he has a long-lasting finish. Develops a pronounced fruity and finely spicy bouquet with a hint of violet and cherry aromas and fine tobacco nuances.
• Colour: Brilliant ruby red
• Alcohol content: 13 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 1.2 g/l
• Acidity: 5.1 g/l
• Type of closure: Natural cork.
• How to serve: A bruschetta pairs perfectly with Chianti Classico. It's also an ideal accompaniment to pasta with tomato sauces or grilled meats. Parmesan or Pecorino complements the experience. It particularly shines when enjoyed with game dishes such as deer or wild boar.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Organic Control Station: IT-BIO-015
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8002235007337
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres

Grape variety

SANGIOVESE

The Sangiovese stands as one of Italy's most renowned and significant red wine grape varieties, particularly in the enchanting region of Tuscany. Here, it assumes a pivotal role in crafting prestigious wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The moniker "Sangiovese" likely derives from the Latin words "sanguis Jovis," translating to "Blood of Jupiter." This could allude to the deep red hue of the grapes or the historical reverence for the grape in ancient Rome, dedicated to the god Jupiter. The utilization of Sangiovese in Chianti wine traces its roots back to the 18th century. In the 1920s, the official Chianti formula was established, with Sangiovese being a primary component. Subsequent adjustments were made to enhance wine quality. Today, Sangiovese stands as a key grape variety in premium Chianti wines. When Sangiovese is cultivated in organic quality, it adheres to the principles of organic farming, eschewing synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. The influence of the Tuscan terroir, encompassing soil and climate, is particularly discernible in the organic cultivation of this grape variety. The Sangiovese plant, especially in Chianti Classico, is characterized by medium-sized, elliptical leaves. The grapes are relatively small to medium-sized with a thin skin. The variety ripens late and requires ample sunshine for full maturity. In Chianti Classico, attention is given to the grapes' good acidity structure, resulting in balanced, fruity wines with lively acidity.

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