Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020

Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020 / Castello di Albola / Tuscany

Red wine from Italy

The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020 from Castello di Albola hails from one of Italy’s most historically significant wine regions. Nestled amidst the gentle hills of Chianti, the medieval village of Castello di Albola lies picturesquely between Florence and Siena. This area, once home to the Etruscans and later immortalised by Giovanni Boccaccio in his Decameron, is where the estate cultivates its vines across 125 hectares in the highest elevations of the Chianti Classico zone. The soils, composed predominantly of calcareous clay with excellent drainage, offer ideal conditions for the Sangiovese grape, which thrives here at altitudes ranging from 350 to 650 metres above sea level.

Sangiovese is among Italy’s most important red grape varieties and has been cultivated in this region for over 2,500 years. Its name, derived from Late Latin, translates as “Jupiter’s blood” – a poetic nod to its mythological depth and historical roots. For this Riserva, only the finest grapes from eight carefully selected vineyard parcels are used, each contributing its own sensory nuance to the final composition. The vines are trained using Guyot and Cordon systems, and harvesting takes place from late September to early October.

Following gentle pressing, the must undergoes fermentation for approximately three weeks in vertical fermenters. Once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine enters its maturation phase, spending around 14 months in oak barrels – 40% in French Allier oak and 60% in traditional Slavonian oak. This is followed by a further 18 months of bottle ageing, which imparts additional depth and balance.

The extended ageing process sets this Riserva apart from a standard Chianti Classico. According to DOCG regulations, a Riserva must mature for at least 24 months in oak and may only be released 27 months after harvest. This additional time allows the wine to develop remarkable aromatic complexity, softer tannins and a more refined texture. Its structure is both powerful and elegant, with impressive depth.

In the glass, the Chianti Classico Riserva reveals a clear ruby hue with a slightly lighter rim. The bouquet is expressive and layered: ripe morello cherries and redcurrants dominate the fruit-forward profile, complemented by delicate violet notes and subtle hints of dried herbs, tobacco and cedarwood. On the palate, it offers a juicy, inviting character with fine-grained, well-integrated tannins. A lively acidity and medium body lend clarity and poise, while the finish is fruit-driven, elegant and marked by a gentle mineral undertone.

Served at an ideal temperature of 16 to 18 °C, the wine unfolds its full aromatic potential. A brief decanting of around 30 minutes is recommended to allow its complexity to shine. Gastronomically, this Riserva pairs beautifully with traditional Italian dishes such as tagliatelle with game ragù, braised lamb or Arista alla fiorentina. Aged Pecorino or Parmesan complement its structure perfectly, while game dishes like venison or wild boar, as well as earthy mushroom-based recipes, highlight its depth. It also excels as a contemplative wine – one that reveals its finesse even when enjoyed on its own.

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
• 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.
• Winemaking: Fermentation of the must takes place over approximately three weeks in vertical fermenters. Once malolactic conversion is complete, the wine enters its maturation phase, spending around 14 months in oak barrels. Of this, 40% is aged in French Allier oak, while the remaining 60% matures in traditional Slavonian oak. A further 18 months of bottle ageing follows, enhancing the wine’s depth and overall balance.
• Scent: The wine reveals itself as expressive and multi-layered. On the nose, ripe morello cherries and redcurrants take centre stage, delivering a distinctly fruit-driven aromatic profile. This is gracefully complemented by delicate violet notes, lending a touch of floral elegance. Subtle hints of dried herbs, tobacco and a whisper of cedarwood add further depth and complexity to the overall impression.
• Taste: On the palate, the wine is juicy and inviting, supported by fine-grained, well-integrated tannins. Its structure is harmoniously balanced, with vibrant acidity and a medium body that lend clarity and elegance to the overall impression. The finish is fruit-forward, smooth and persistent, with a subtle mineral undertone that adds finesse and depth.
• Colour: Ruby red in colour, with a slightly fading rim.
• Alcohol content: 13.5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 1.1 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork
• How to serve: This elegant Riserva pairs beautifully with classic Italian cuisine such as tagliatelle with game ragù, braised lamb or aged Pecorino. It also complements grilled vegetables, mushroom risotto and savoury antipasti with remarkable harmony.
• Recommended serving temperature: Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. A brief decanting of around 30 minutes is recommended to allow the wine’s complex bouquet to fully unfold.
• Organic Control Station: IT-BIO-015
• Ageing Potential: The Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020 from Castello di Albola offers an impressive ageing potential of up to 20 years. Its combination of high-altitude vineyard sites, meticulously selected Sangiovese grapes and careful maturation in French and Slavonian oak provides ideal conditions for long-term development. Over time, the wine gains additional aromatic depth, with tannins becoming more refined and tertiary notes such as leather, forest floor and dried fruit emerging. The mineral backbone becomes more pronounced, enhancing the wine’s overall elegance. For optimal ageing, it should be stored consistently at 12 to 14 °C, protected from light and vibration.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
  
• Warning: Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the health of the child.
• 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.

Protection of minors: We deliver this article only to adults of unlimited legal capacity and reserve the right to demand appropriate proof of age. The data required for the order, such as name, address, etc., must be provided in full and truthfully.

Bulk discount:

• 3 x Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG BIO 2020