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
2014 was one of the most particular vintages of the decade. The winter was very hot, the average temperatures were far above normal by around 5° C and rainfall was also abundant throughout the winter. Budding came early, given the abundant rainfall during the winter months and the mild temperatures of the spring months. Many buds had already blossomed by late March, early April. The months of May and June were quite normal: average temperatures without excessive rainfall. July and August were slightly cooler months than usual, often characterized by afternoon showers. In the summer months we worked a lot on green management, trying to maintain a good leaf wall on the aerial part of the plant so as to have excellent photosynthesis, while the bunches were directly exposed to the sun, and we did manual defoliation on both sides of the row. This helped allow good circulation of the wind, reaching the bunches, and both sides’ direct exposure to the sun, to minimize the onset of mould. During the harvest there was scrupulous checkingl of the bunches, eliminating any not in perfect condition, and in many vineyards we made a double harvest. The month of October returned to normal, with windy days and pleasant temperatures, the harvest took place as predicted and we picked the last grapes on October 10th.
