Castello di Meleto – Meleto Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. – Imperial – Special Edition 50 th Anniversary – Red Wines – 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. – Imperial – Special Edition 50 th – Chianti Classico Anniversary – Red Wines

To celebrate our 50 th Anniversary, a limited edition of the Chianti Classico DOCG was created. Giovanni Farina and Matteo Menicacci, respectively agronomist and oenologist of Castello di Meleto, selected the best Sangiovese grapes, from each of the five macros -areas into which the property was divided (Meleto, San Piero, Casi, Poggiarso and Moci). After careful selection in the vineyard, each area was vinified separately, the refinement was carried out so that the varietal could express itself at its best, with a very careful use of wood. Various assemblies were then carried out and, after scrupulous tasting sessions, it was possible to identify the combination that best encloses the soul of Meleto, the variety of its soils and its microclimates and the magnificent complexity of our main vine: the Sangiovese. The result is an elegant and complex wine, with pleasantly outlined fruit notes and good acidity that promises an interesting evolution in the bottle. This special wine will be represented by an equally unique label inspired by the historic bottles of Castello di Meleto.

Details

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.