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 1997 vintage was characterized by a late spring frost (April 17) that reduced production in the Il Poggio Vineyard, although only to a limited extent. Afterward, the growing season was regular and this permitted the estate to harvest grapes that were perfectly wholesome and fully ripe with an extremely high sugar level and completely developed polyphenols. Among other aspects, the 1997 vintage was the first in which the estate used cone-shaped stainless steel vats rather than cylindrical containers.