2018 Castelvecchi Chianti Classico "Capotondo", Tuscany, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Sangiovese 88% and Canaiolo 12%. The grapes are collected and carefully selected. Maceration takes place in concrete tanks for 25/30 days. The wine is then placed in steel tanks until the month of December, after which it takes a step into a large barrel and barrique of third or fourth ride for 10-12 months, allowing for the ripening of tannins. It follows an aging in bottle for 8 months.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The ancient winery is excavated under the castle, among its foundation, and it is dated, as the whole core structure, between the X and the XI century. The importance of the Fattoria di Castelvecchi also lies in its strategic location, being at the center of several ancient roads,in the very art of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. The Castelvecchi function was chiefly defensive, for this reason it had to be fortified with strong, tough walls.

Castelvecchi was ruled by the lords of Monterinaldi for most of the XI century until, proclaimed autonomous community, it suffered, at the end of the thirteenth century, the fierce attacks of the nobles of the surroundings, attracted by the incredible richness of the Parish of Santa Maria Novella. Many parties fought widely and for a long time to get the famous fertile vineyards here cultivated.
Towards the middle of the seventeenth century, the name of the place, which was then “Castela de la Pieve”, became, after the name of the owners, first “Castel de ‘Vecchi,” then “Castelvecchi”. “De Vecchi” was the name of an ancient noble family from Montalcino who took the castle and the land around.
The property passed through the centuries from de Vecchi to de Vecchi.

The vineyards of the Premiata Fattoria di Castelvecchi in Chianti are a true Heritage of Italian viticulture, such as the cellars and the castle. Almost all the vines are over 50 years; the remaining come from selections made within the oldest vineyards that are patiently replicated. The approach “plant to plant,” plant by plant, is – by our productive approach – the only key to interpret the vines as individuals who, in such a long life, are developing very different characteristics and needs.

During the seasons, all farming operations are conducted with great precision, up to the crucial moment of the harvest, a work of great patience and attention, when the vines are full of life and vivid colors. The training of the oldest vines and the configuration of the hills, with slopes sometimes very noteworthy, require a totally manual harvesting, operated by highly skilled hands.