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Castello di Volpaia
2004 Chianti Classico |
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The Label
The Chianti Classico label features the Commenda di Sant’Eufrosino, the second of four churches built within the city’s walls. Attributed to Italian architect and sculptor Michelozzo di Bartolomeo (1396-1472), the church was built in 1443 by request of the Canigiani family who lived in Volpaia. One of the family members wished to join the Knights of Malta, a religious order and military brotherhood ruled by a “Grand Master” that answered only to the Pope. The Knights of Malta required that the Canigianis build a church in Volpaia before joining the religious order. The Commenda was deconsecrated in 1932 and declared a national monument in 1981. For 13 years, until 1993, the Commenda housed a renowned art collection. The Commenda is now used for dinners, tastings and other events and its basement contains one of Volpaia’s barrel-aging cellars. |
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Vineyards: Campo a Pitti, Campo alla Fonte (Syrah), Casavecchia, Casetto, Castellino, Campo a Prato, Pratolino, Santa Caterina (Merlot and Sangiovese), Santa Caterina Vecchia, Santa Maria Novella, Vignavecchia
Vineyard Cultivation: Certified organic
Years Vines Planted: 1970–2002
Soils: All vineyards have light soils consisting of sandstone except Campo alla Fonte (sandstone and clay), Castellino (clay) and Santa Maria Novella (clay).
Elevation: On slopes between 1,300–1,970 ft.
Exposure: South, southeast, southwest
Density: 1,038–2,306 vines/acre
Training: Volpaia uses the guyot training system in all its vineyards except Santa Caterina Vecchia (single-arched cane) and Santa Maria Novella (cordon spur). |
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April and May temperatures were below average, delaying budbreak. Fortunately May was also rainy, allowing the vines to build up reserves of water for the warm summer months. It became apparent early in the season that yields would be very high in 2004, and Volpaia worked hard in the vineyards to ensure that the vines stayed healthy and well-balanced. Excellent September temperatures meant that the grapes kept their aromas. Harvest began in late August, while the late-ripening grapes were harvested at the end of September. Despite rain just before harvest, all the grapes were very healthy when they arrived in the cellars.
Harvest Dates: September 10–October 10, 2004 |
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| The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity aftertaste. |
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Varietal Composition: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah
Barrel Aging: 14 months in Slovenian oak
Case Pack: 12/750ml
Total Production: 12,500 cases
Imported Into U.S.: 2,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.0%
TA: 5.3 g/L
pH: 2.0 g/L |
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