Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2020 ‘Santa Teresa’

Description

Denomination: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG “Santa Teresa” 2020

Variety: Sangiovese 100% (Selection of the best grapes from the highest vineyards of the Estate)

Territory:

• Property: Campomaggio vineyards
• Altitude: from 280 to 480 m above sea level
• Vineyard surface: 33 hectares
• Soil type: medium-textured clay-limestone with 30% skeletal presence derived from the disintegration of the bedrock, specifically galestro.
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Exposure: South South East South West
• Planting density: 5000 plants/ha
• Training system: spurred cordon
• Age of vineyards: average age 20 years

Harvest: The climate trend of this harvest was very particular with a mild and rainy winter, and an early spring. In the first days of April, however, there were rather significant frosts. The cold lasted throughout the month, greatly slowing down the emission of buds. Fortunately, temperatures for the rest of spring returned to expected values and similarly, rainfall in the spring period was regular and of good intensity. The summer was very hot with no rain until the first ten days of August. The soils still had good water availability and the vines did not show any signs of stress, even where the presence of skeletal soil is prevalent. The climate remained dry until the harvest, which took place a few days later than usual but with an unprecedented technological and phenolic ripening of the grapes.

Fermentation and aging:

• Yield per hectare: 70 quintals/ha
• Harvest time: Third week of October
• Fermentation: 50 hl truncated cone-shaped oak containers
• Aging: About 2/3 of the wine is transferred to large oak barrels and a part to barriques and tonneaux where it remains for 18-21 months. It rests in the bottle for at least 3-6 months before being marketed.

Tasting notes: Bright and intense ruby red color. It expresses notes of ripe plum, light notes of sandalwood and blood orange, then shifting to spices like nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon. Hints of chocolate, ink, and cinchona, then moving to aromatic herbs. The nose is complex and ranges across many aromatic descriptors. In the mouth, it also shows complexity and depth of drinking. Very well-integrated young tannins. Extreme balance between acidity and sapidity that give a stimulating, long, and elegant finish. It will be interesting to taste it in future years to see its evolution.