Castello di Meleto – Meleto Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. – Avvenice

Castello di Meleto – In Gaiole in Chianti since 1256

The land of Castello di Meleto extend around the medieval town for about 2,470 acres: of these 300 are reserved for growing grapes. Sangiovese is the main varietal used in the production of the Chianti Classico DOCG. Other varietals planted in the ’80s include Merlot and Cabernet, but since the late 90s there has been a process of replanting aimed at enhancing the traditional heritage of grapes in Tuscany, also introducing some white varieties such as Vermentino.

Castello di Meleto – Meleto Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. – Red Wines

Varietal: 100 % Sangiovese

Plants per Ha: 3.500/5.000 vines

Altitude: 420 mt

Soil composition: Alberese frame and tuscan galestro. Very clayey, rich of iron and quartz.

Vineyard: All areas of the property, macroareas of Meleto, Poggiarso e Casi

Year vineyard planted: Between 1970 and 2000

Vines per Hectar: 3.500/5.000

Yield per Hectar: 5/6.5 tons

Training method: Spurred cordon, guyot and bush vines

Vinification: Grapes are harvested by hand as well as by machine. Stalks are removed and the grapes soft pressed: the must obtained is introduced into stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 25/28°C where, the spontaneous alcoholic fermentation (without adding exogenous yeast) and the consequent maceration on the skins take place during a variable period of 15 to 20 days. The malolactic fermentation takes place in cement vats.

Aging: The wine aged 15 months in 54 hl Slavonian oak barrels.

Tasting notes: Deep ruby red, marked notes of cherry, typical of the grape, with hints of floral and vanilla. Velvety, enveloping palate with rounded tannins. Good structure with an excellent balance and long full finish.