Region and Vineyards
The Castello di Volpaia estate is nestled in the Chianti Classico region, a historic area celebrated for its rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes. This region, characterized by rolling hills and a mix of sandstone and marl soils, provides an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality grapes. The Coltassala vineyard, spanning 3.53 hectares, benefits from its elevated position at 518 meters above sea level with a south-facing exposure. This elevation and orientation ensure optimal sun exposure and temperature regulation, crucial for the development of complex phenolic compounds in the grapes.
The vineyard's soil is light and composed of sandstone, contributing to the distinctive minerality and elegance of the wine. The vines, averaging 20-25 years old, are trained using the Guyot method, which helps maintain vine health and maximize grape quality. The vine density is approximately 5,700 vines per hectare, fostering competition among the vines, which enhances the concentration of flavors in the grapes.
Winemaking
The Castello di Volpaia Coltassala Chianti Classico Riserva is composed of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo. The wine undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit characteristics.
Aging takes place in new French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by a minimum of 6 months of bottle aging. This careful process imparts complexity and structure to the wine, allowing the integration of oak flavors with the wine's natural fruit profile. The wine boasts an alcohol content of 14%, with a total acidity of 6.1 g/L and a residual sugar level of 0.8 g/L.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Vivid ruby.
- Aroma: The nose is elegant and complex, with hints of vanilla, cacao, and rich fruit.
- Palate: On the palate, the wine is well-structured and layered, offering firm acidity and a clean, rich finish. The flavors of Sangiovese meld seamlessly with the subtle contributions of Mammolo, creating a balanced and harmonious wine.
Did you know?
Coltassala was first released in 1980 as a Super-Tuscan, a revolutionary move by Chianti Classico producers who sought to craft high-quality wines outside the stringent DOC regulations of the time. This innovative approach led to the creation of wines aged in small French barriques rather than large Slavonian oak casks, elevating the status and quality of Tuscan wines. Today, Coltassala is recognized as a Chianti Classico Riserva Cru, maintaining its legacy while adhering to modern appellation standards.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The rich, robust flavors of the wine complement the juicy, charred steak, enhancing the meat's savory depth.
- Wild Boar Ragù with Pappardelle: The wine's acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the ragù, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Aged Pecorino Cheese: The complex aromas and firm structure of the wine pair wonderfully with the sharp, nutty flavors of the cheese.
- Porcini Mushroom Risotto: The earthy notes of the mushrooms harmonize with the wine's elegant fruit and oak characteristics, creating a luxurious pairing.
