Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020 / 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 and Giovanni Boccaccio played his Decameron, you will find the winemakers of Castello di Albola. In this area, which exudes an incredible beauty and timeless harmony, the winery grows wine on 125 hectares on the highest hills of Chianti Classico.

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".

The locations for this top Chianti are at an altitude of 350 to 650m above sea level and consist mainly of limestone, are loamy and have good water permeability. The vines are laid out in the guyot and cordon training system. This precious Riserva contains the best grapes from eight vineyards selected by Castello di Albola, each of which contributes to the result with a special nuance of Sangiovese, vinified in purity. The Sangiovese grapes, harvested from the end of September to the beginning of October, are first gently pressed and the must obtained is fermented in vertical fermenters for about three weeks. As soon as the malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine enters the wood. The aging takes about fourteen months, with 40% of the wine resting in barrels made from Allier oak and the remaining 60% in barrels made from traditional Slavonian oak. After this refinement, the Chianti Classico Riserva still has three years to get its finishing touches in the bottle.

The Chianti Classico Riserva distinguishes itself from the "regular" Chianti Classico through variations in maturation time and aging processes, resulting in noticeable olfactory and gustatory differences. In accordance with the established regulations for the Chianti region, a Riserva requires a minimum aging period of 24 months in oak barrels, only becoming available for sale 27 months after the grape harvest. This extended maturation period unfolds an impressively diverse array of aromas in the Riserva. The tannins often present themselves as softer and better integrated, imparting a smoother texture to the wine. The exceptional structure and complexity are distinctive features of Chianti Riserva. The prolonged aging period gives rise to additional nuances and greater depth, culminating in a wine profile that is particularly sophisticated and demanding.

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG from Castello di Albola, which has been highly praised by many well-known wine critics, is ruby red in the glass. Its scent is intense and includes notes of ripe berries, tobacco, and liquorice. Sweet vanilla tones can be seen in the background. On the palate it is dry, enveloping, complex and very elegant. With its fine acidity, which is muted by buttery notes, you can taste an elegant touch of roasted aromas. The finale is terrific long and persistent.

At an ideal serving temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, the excellent Chianti Classico Riserva unfolds its full splendour and complements traditional Italian dishes superbly. Think of delightful dishes such as pasta with hearty meat sauce, tender Osso Buco, perfectly grilled meats, or the Tuscan classic, the impressive roast pork Arista alla fiorentina. For a harmonious pairing, a well-aged Parmesan or Pecorino is recommended, as the wine's structure beautifully corresponds to the spice and intensity of the cheese. The richness of flavours and expressive nature of Chianti Classico Riserva make it an excellent choice for game dishes like venison roast or tender wild boar. A juicy, grill-marked steak or other grilled meat creations can superbly balance the wine's tannin-rich structure. Enjoy the Chianti Classico Riserva as a perfect wine for contemplation - on its own, it reveals its excellence in full. Additionally, pair it with pasta dishes featuring a rich meat sauce, aromatic mushrooms, or robust flavours. A pleasure that appeals to all the senses!

General properties

• Vintage: 2020
• 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
• Climate 2017: 2017 was a hot and sometimes dry year with little rain in the summer. Spring was cool at times and was marked by a few late frosts in April. Fortunately, the considerable height of the vineyards limited the damage to the winery. Temperatures reached very high peaks in July and August. It was not until the end of September, in the last ripening period of the grapes and just before harvest, that there were rainy days with little rain, which, despite the complexity of the climatic conditions, contributed to the ripening of the fruit. The relative yield limit 2017 can certainly be described as an interesting vintage, which is characterized by a higher concentration, pronounced fruit notes, a good balance between tannin and acidity and an above-average structure.
  
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape variety: 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.
• Production: The must is fermented in vertical fermenters for about 3 weeks. Once the malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in oak. Refinement takes about 14 months: 40% of the wine rests in barriques made from Allier oak, 60% in barrels made from traditional Slavonian oak.
  
• Sensory characteristics: Intense bouquet with notes of ripe berries, tobacco, and liquorice. In the background, sweet vanilla tones. Dry, enveloping, elegant and complex on the palate. Fine acidity with buttery notes and an elegant hint of roasted aromas. Finally, there is a long and persistent finish.
  
• Colour: Ruby red
• Alcohol content: 13.5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 1.1 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork
• How to serve: A perfect match for robust pasta, Osso Buco, grilled meats, and roast pork. Enjoy it alongside Italian hard cheese. Ideal for game, especially venison roast and flavourful barbecue dishes. An outstanding wine for contemplative moments.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C.
• Organic Control Station: IT-BIO-015
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8002235646659
• 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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