Castello di Monsanto Riserva Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Riserva
An accessible example of the unique style and character of Castello di Monsanto wines. This multi-faceted wine can be enjoyed straight away or left to develop and evolve as the years roll by. It is our most widely produced wine by far, underlining our winery’s belief in Sangiovese, which acquires a strength and energy from our soil that must be patiently awaited. One of the oldest wines in Italy, it appeared on the market in the 1960s and has become an ambassador for the entire denomination around the world.
Designation
Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Riserva
First year of production
1962
Grape varieties
90% Sangiovese; 10% Canaiolo and Colorino
Training system
Guyot and spurred cordon
Vinification
In temperature controlled truncated conical steel vats with emptying system (Délestage) and pumping over for about 18/20 days.
Maturazione o invecchiamento
In French oak barriques (second passage) for 18 months
Ageing
Six months of bottle aging
Climate trend
In 2010 a cold winter, with temperatures hovering around freezing point, gave way to a cool, rainy spring that slightly delayed the onset of budding. The heat that arrived in July, however, considerably sped up the growth cycle. The groundwater reserves had accumulated over winter and spring, and received fresh input from frequent summer rains, so they enabled the vines to withstand the heat during the first half of July, thus avoiding heat stress and promoting excellent-quality fruit. August and the first half of September were hot, but with temperatures that were below average. The second half of September and the first part of October brought splendid days and stable conditions. The beautiful sunny days in the final days of September and early October, with their high temperatures, particularly in the middle of the day, contributed to making this a high-quality harvest.
