CHIANTI SUPERIORE DOCG 2024 FATTORIA DEL COLLE
FOR DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI THE 2024 HARVEST WAS AN ABUNDANT ONE WITH AN EXTRAORDINARILY FAVOURABLE FINISH THANKS TO THE SHOWERS IN SEPTEMBER.
At the end of August, after 60 consecutive days of scorching heat, the vines were at a standstill, and Donatella Cinelli Colombini was very worried. Then the weather changed, with heavy thunderstorms and a drastic drop in temperatures, dropping to 10°C at night.
These were ideal conditions for grape ripening, skin softening, and the synthesis of aromas.
The harvest was carefully prepared, leaf-pulling and removing excess bunches from the vines.
The harvest calendar was then planned like a military operation, monitoring the weather forecast, analysing the grapes, and tasting them to position machines and workers on the best day for each vineyard or portion of the vineyard.
A planning that called for very long days and work even on holidays, but the result was excellent.
WHAT IS CHIANTI SUPERIORE?
In 1996, the Chianti DOCG regulations were amended to introduce the Chianti Superiore type, with stricter production regulations than standard Chianti. The vineyards for this wine must have particularly favourable soils and exposures, and yields are lower than those for Chianti.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini‘s Chianti Superiore is a “family wine,” meaning it comes from the vineyards of those who vinified the grapes and bottled the wine.
FATTORIA DEL COLLE IN TREQUANDA
Practically a small hamlet, built by the current owner’s ancestors in 1592. Surrounding the villa and chapel are parks with three swimming pools, farmhouses converted into tourist accommodations, and a restaurant. There are cellars and surrounding 15 hectares of vineyards, 6 hectares of olive groves, five white truffle reserves, cereals, and extensive woodlands. Fattoria del Colle covers a total area of 334 hectares and enjoys a panoramic position on high hills (400 meters above sea level) where the soils are predominantly marine sand and Pliocene sandstone.
Biodiversity is safeguarded by woodlands and organic farming throughout the farm.
Chianti Superiore DOCG 2024 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Fattoria del Colle Tuscany
DESCRIPTION
TYPE: Dry red.
PRODUCTION AREA: Tuscany, Trequanda, Fattoria del Colle
VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS: Rainy winter, scorching July and August with temperatures of 37°C during the day and 22°C at night. Very rainy September (200mm of rainfall) with mild daytime temperatures and almost cold nights (6-10°C). Favourable conditions for harmonious and regular ripening of the grapes and for softening the skins.
GRAPE VARIETY: Sangiovese with small additions of grapes authorized in Tuscany
HARVEST: From September 16th to 20th, October 5th. Manual and mechanical harvest with grape selection using an optical scanner.
VINIFICATION: Regular vinification in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. The cold nights favoured spontaneous temperature regulation. Closed-cap maceration following alcoholic fermentation was shortened compared to previous years.
QUANTITY: 25,300 bottles
TASTING AND SERVING
COLOUR: Bright ruby red
AROMA: Vinous, reminiscent of Sangiovese grapes with its characteristic hint of sweet violet. Fine, with clear hints of ripe red fruits such as orange, cherry, plum, and blueberry, finishing with a hint of floral notes.
TASTE: Full, harmonious, and intense. The structure and tannins, though evident, appear silky and balanced by the flavour. Excellent and pleasant persistence.
FOOD PAIRING: Chianti Superiore is designed to accompany food and is extraordinarily versatile. It pairs well with Tuscan dishes such as pappardelle with sauce, pork loin, or sausages, but it also pairs well with Asian or fusion dishes, even spicy ones.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Room temperature (16-20°C), in clear crystal tulip-shaped glasses.
CELLARING: 4-5 years after harvest. Store bottles flat in a cool, dark place.