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
A rainy and mild winter came before a spring which started 10 days earlier than usual, with temperatures above the seasonal average in April. Between the end of May and the beginning of June, abundant rains guaranteed optimal water supply to the vines with vegetative growth earlier than average. Constant summer heat, with some days in August above 35° C, helped the perfect ripening of the grapes and a few days of light rain at the end of August sustained the ongoing early development of the vines’ phenological phases. Groundwater reserves and optimal temperature range were essential. As a consequence, 2011’s harvest began 10 days in advance and was carried out from the beginning of September until early October. Grapes were in perfect condition.
