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. Riserva
First year of production
1962
Grape varieties
70% Sangiovese; 20% Trebbiano and Malvasia; 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 5000 litre Slavonian oak casks for 2 years
Ageing
Six months of bottle aging
Climate trend
The vintage was rated 3 stars by the Chianti Classico Consortium. The summer was favourable and the harvest long. But among the Chianti Classico producers there has always been debate because this vintage gave different results in different areas. At Monsanto, 1978 was a rich vintage but with drier tannins and a higher acidity than average.