The Fattoria Montecchio´s Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 is the ONLY Riserva wine judged fit for a gold medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2018. Only thirty-eight of the participating Chianti Classico Riserva wines received silver or bronze medals. The one that excelled above all others, and won the gold medal, was the precious nectar obtained from the best grapes of the entire Chianti Classico production. Grapes which, from the time they are harvested, are chosen to become Riserva.
The Fattoria Montecchio´s Riserva is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and has a rich ruby colour with a bouquet of spices and small berries. Matured in the bottle for over twelve months, it is perfect with grilled meats and Tuscan salamis, but above all with the classic ´Florentine´ steak. Its important structure leaves a persistent and velvety flavour in the mouth.
But which are the most appreciated characteristics that brought the selective jury of the Decanter Awards to assign the coveted gold medal? We asked Fattoria Montecchio´s oenologist, Stefano Di Blasi.
“”In order to make a Riserva wine – he explains – which must differ from the basic Chianti Classico, many producers tend to overstate the structure. The result is that the wine becomes less drinkable and more difficult to ´understand´ for the consumer. As the name suggests, a ´Riserva´ is certainly a wine for special occasions but at the Fattoria Montecchio we have managed to produce a wine that is well structured without exaggeration”.
There is another, very important, aspect which regards the territory of the vineyards: San Donato in Poggio is geographically on the western border of the Chianti Classico territory. It is open and at relatively high altitude with low lying hills all around and this produces a notable temperature range in the area. The Chianti Classicos and Chianti Classico Riservas produced in San Donato in Poggio all have strong mineral presence due to the type of soil and receive strong sunshine because of its openness and altitude: these things favour a more intense maturation of the fruit”.