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
Spring was very short in 1980 and flowering was delayed. The summer was characterized by fluctuating temperatures and a long period of dry weather. The harvest was delayed until the last week of October through the first week of November. 1980 was rated by the Consortium as a medium vintage. Over the last 40 years, Monsanto’s 1980 vintage has shown an incredible capacity for ageing, and has developed a very open bouquet and an elegant structure, despite the fact the vintage was not an outstanding one.