Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Riserva Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 (Italy)

Description

• French oak
• Cherries
• Balsamic & vanilla
• Long finish

Intense ruby red in color with slight garnet reflections. To the nose, flavours of ripe red fruit, scents of cherries with delicate balsamic and vanilla notes. The palate is voluminous, sapid, with a great structure. The elegant tannin and the pleasant acidity give this wine a long and enveloping finish.

Rocca Guicciarda was in the past one of the most important feudal estates belonging to the Ricasoli family. Complex and harmonious wine in the traditional style, with an unmistakable label.

The growing season 2014/2015 was quite regular without extreme events. Winter was mild with temperatures falling to freezing only at the end of December and in January and February. Spring was also regular. Although a little cold at the beginning, temperatures began to rise and were average afterwards. May and June were warm favouring a perfect flowering and veraison. Rainfall was not excessive, about 150 mm. Summer began earlier, with high temperatures already at the end of June when we recorded peaks of even 34-35 °C (93.2-95 °F). July was also particularly warm, above all in the first decade, with peaks of even 40 °C (104 °F). Rainfall was scarce (about 100 mm), but the good water supplies during the winter and spring months prevented drought stress. September and October showed perfect weather conditions, with significant day-to-night temperature ranges, favouring the accumulation of colour and polyphenols in the grapes.

This Chianti is made of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, and was fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C (75.2°-80.6°F) with 12-14 days of skin contact. Following this, the wine matured for 16 months in tonneau of second passage and large casks.