This was the second of two wineries my group visited as part of the "Super Chianti" itinerary as provided by Grape Tours.
I do appreciate a good wine, but much of my wine experiences have been limited to the New World regions, predominately California. Thus the Super Chianti wine tour was my first foray into wines from the Old World. As part of the tour itinerary the second winery specializes in Italy's most famous wine: Chianti Classico.
So what is Chianti Classico? It refers to both a type of a wine and terroir.
- Chianti Classico DOCG is the world's first defined wine appellation. It was first established by the Medici family in 1716 and gained DOCG status in 1984, thus separating itself from the larger Chianti DOCG.
- To be classified as a "Chianti Classico" the blend has to be made from grapes grown exclusively in the region, consist of a minimum of 80% Sangiovese and not contain any white wine grapes.
There are 3 levels of "Chianti Classico": regular, Riserva and Gran Selezione with the higher quality wines aged longer and in the case of Gran Selezione, limited to grapes grown in the producer's own vineyard.
Villa Calcinaia has been owned by the Capponi family since 1524. 75 acres of vineyards are planted with Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo, Grechetto, Vernaccia, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Ever since the current Capponi owners inherited the winery in 1992 wines are also produced organically. No commercial yeast nor fertilizer is used and the first certified organic vintage goes back to 2014. The winery gets its name from the chalky constitution of the soil, which is a distinctive component of their wines.
On our tour we were first led through the grounds of the winery. Apparently they have an agriturismo and their lavender field is cultivated into various soaps and perfumes. We were then taken into the cellar where our wine tasting would occur. Each of us got to taste four different wines with bites of their bread dipped in their olive oil in between.
1. Villa Calcinaia Tor Solis 2017 IGT (€38)
2. Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2014/2015 DOCG (€15)
3. Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2014 DOCG (€28)
4. Villa Calcinaia CC Gran Selezione Vigna La Fornance 2015 DOCG (€45)
Much of this is a lesson in comparing the different levels of "Chianti Classico" with the Gran Selezione being the last glass. The difference between this and New World wines is primarily due to the balance of dryness and bitterness. The body of these wines strongly suggests they be paired with a bold-tasting food for maximum effect. I bought #1, #2 and #4 as gifts for people (hence why I remembered what wines I had).
- #1 was given to the No1DP. UPDATE: Upon cracking the bottle he said this was the best white wine he's ever consumed.
- #2 was given to a co-worker/mentor. She paired it with home-cooked spaghetti bolognese and enjoyed it with with her husband.
- #4 I will personally deliver on my next visit to Japan. 長 in particular has enjoyed all the wines I've gifted from CA and Mexico. Gifting this is a risk because Old World wines are more readily found in Japan.
An update will be posted when the two other wines are cracked.
I'm glad that my first experience with a real Chianti Classico winery was a positive one. It used to be that Chiani is attributed to the cheap vino di tavola served in a straw basket but now more people are starting to associate Chianti with a great all-around wine that can still maintain its quality at different price points. Thanks to Grape Tours for introducing me to this winery. read more