Winemaker's Notes
This intense ruby-colored wine is characterized by dry, warm, earthy finish and fresh acidity, followed by an aroma of forest fruits and sweet spice against a backdrop of herbs and autumn leaves
John's Notes
I’ve mentioned it before, but I like it when I can get quality wine in small format bottles. They’re perfect when I just want a glass or two instead of opening a full-sized bottle, easy to transport, and great for studying particularly on nights when I need to taste multiple bottles
Q: What does “Classico” signify?
A: When you see “Classico” on a bottle of Italian wine, it means the grapes were grown within the boundaries of one of the original appellations, many of which have since expanded to included other vineyards. Wines labeled as “Classico” are often some of the best wines in the area, and the vineyards are often at higher elevation than other vineyards
Q: What is the significance of the black rooster on the label?
A: The black rooster (Gallo Nero) is the Chianti Classico seal. According to Chianti.com, “Legend has it that in 13th century Florence and Siena decided to use a horse race to end their land dispute over Chianti. The meeting point of two knights, who had left respectively from Florence and Siena when the rooster sang at dawn, would mark the new borders of their territories. The Florentines selected a black rooster and kept it for a few days in a box with no food. On the day of the race, when they took the rooster out of the box, he sang much earlier than dawn. Thus, the Florentine knight left before the Sienese rider, meeting him only him only 20 km from Siena walls”
Nerdy Details
Winemaker: Santa Margherita
- Santa Margherita is a family owned Italian winery dating back to 1935
- Santa Margherita introduced the first Pinot Grigio to the United States in 1979 and have continued to lead the ultra-premium wine category ever since, introducing the Chianti Classico Riserva in the early 1900’s
Variety: 85% Sangiovese, 15% blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy. Note that Chianti Classico DOCG is not part of the Chianti DOCG
- DOCG (Denominazione de Orignie Controllata e Garantita) is essentially a defined production zone with set geographic boundaries and specific requirements about grape varieties and production methods
Climate: Located in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains between the cities of Pisa, Florence, and Siena, Chianti Classico’s altitude provides a moderating influence to the hot climate of Central Italy
Viticulture: The single vineyard, Salcetino, is located in the Greve sub-region of Chianti Classico. This vineyard is planted to Sangiovese clones with thicker skins and this, plus the addition of 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, gives the wine an elegant core of fruit balanced with polished tannins
- Soil: schist and sandstone marl
- Training system: Spurred Cordon and Guyot
- Harvest period: 1st October – 20th October
Winemaking:
- Aged in a mix of both new and used oak barrels of various sizes for 24 months
- Aging potential 6 – 8 years
Alcohol: 13.5%
Pairs With: Barbecued meat, herb and mushroom crusted chicken, pizza
Reviews
The aromas of this complex red wine range from cherries and plums to gladiolus flowers and earthy flint. The tannic, oak-aged flavors are bright and round, with a dry, warm, earthy finish – Winemaker
