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
The winter was quite mild in 2015, the temperature went below freezing for only a few days. Rainfall was higher than the average from the previous 10 years and this gave a good water reserve for the summer. Spring was moderate too with temperature around 2°C above average with regular rainfall. Summer was hot with low rainfall: the temperature in July was close to 38°C for several days, but no hydric stress occurred, thanks to the water reserve after the abundant rainfall in winter and spring and thanks to the peculiar soil of Monsanto (galestro). This optimal weather trend led to a vintage characterized by considerable quantity and very high quality. The phenolic ripening of Sangiovese was perfect in all the vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked as the last grape on October 14th.
The 2015 vintage has a great potential for ageing.
