Wine La Castellina, Chianti Classico Riserva Squarcialupi, 2015
The traditional Chianti Classico wines are rich and complex and have incredible ageability. This Classico is no stranger to these traditional traits and is a prime example of the powerful Chianti wines.
Characteristics
Wine Style:
Red- Even Hannibal Lecter admired a glass of Chianti. This one is full of dark fruits, black pepper, and firm tannins.
Gastronomy:
Grilled red meats, steak, game of hair and feather, stewed and roasted, aged cheeses hard like pecorino.
Vineyards:
Altitude of vineyards: 400-500 m a.s.l. Vines per hectare: 5500 Aspect of vineyard: south-west
Ageing method:
The wine ages in big barrels of Slavonian oak (capacity from 24 to 47 hl) for 12 months, in the ancient cellar of the Squarcialupi palace and for another 6 months in barrique (225 lt) and tonneau (500 lt). During this period the aromatic profile is defined and the wine acquires softness by polymerization of the polyphenols. Follows the refinement in the bottle for at least 6 months, before being released for consumption.
Winemaking process:
The grapes are harvested by hand, selecting the perfect ripening bunches. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, at controlled temperature to save primary aromas; after 8-10 days all the sugars are converted into alcohol. To extract the color and the aromas, the peels that raise to the surface are moist with the must/wine. The maceration of the peels on the wine continues for 15-20 days, then the free run wine is separed from the marc, which is pressed. Follows the malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 20 days, to make the wine softer on the palate.
