Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle More, Toscana Rosso

Description

Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle More is a modern, Super-Tuscan red wine blend produced in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, just a few kilometres from the ancient village of Greve in Chianti, 11 miles from Florence and 23 miles from Siena. 

Castello di Vichiomaggio can trace its origins back to the 5th century. The current owners, the Matta family, acquired the estate in 1964 and spent much time and money restoring the estate to its former glory. At 140 hectares, the estate is one of the largest in in the area, with 34 hectares devoted to vineyards.

They produce a range of Tuscan wines including Chianti Classico and another blend called Ripa delle Mandorle. The hallmark of Castello Vichiomaggio’s wine is elegance – perfumed, stylish and all with beautiful balance. The company is led by winemaker John Matta who has been named IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year four times.

Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle More (“The Hill of Blackberries”) was first launched in 1980 as a Super-Tuscan blend which eventually would settle to become a 50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot each year. The Chianti Classico area is characterised by a Mediterranean climate and the soil, which is called “Galestro”, is rich in clay and large stones. The vineyard yields are kept very low thanks to specific pruning techniques and production is limited. The grapes are harvested by and at optimal maturity and carefully sorted. Fermentation took place in small 50 hectolitre temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, to ensure maximum skin contact, lasting a period of 10 to 15 days. The wine was then matured in 225 litre French oak barriques for a period of 20 months, followed by approximately seven months cellaring in bottle, prior to release.  The wine is powerful, opulent and very intense, yet elegant and not overpowering.

Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30% and Merlot 20%.