Winemaker Notes
Colledilà stands out for its complex structure and great, modern elegance. A pure Sangiovese that manages to reveal all the magnificent qualities of this grape that are further exalted by the small dimensions of the vineyard whose name it bears.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A beautiful nose that shows dark plums, vanilla, tar, tobacco and spices. Full-bodied and very powerful with punchy tannins, but some real integration to the agile fruit and acidity. The complexity and depth at the end is breathtaking.
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Decanter
Colledilà vineyard is on a geological formation called Monte Morello, also known as Alberese, a limestone soil rich in calcium carbonate and poor in organic matter. Seven hectares in size, it is located at 390 meters above sea level (almost a limit of top Sangiovese) and has a southeastern exposure. Compared to the 240ha of the estate, this is the jewel of the baron Francesco Ricasoli. It's elegant due to its filigranate floral bouquet aromas (rose, violet, iris), supported by darker fruit with great concentration, layered by tar and tobacco earthy complexity. Tannins are velvety and super elegant with delicate yet brilliant refreshing acidity.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà (100% Sangiovese) delivers a tight and focused bouquet that is distinguished by dark fruit aromas, cherry and tart cassis with spice, wild rose and sweet earth at the back. The wine is fresh and firm on the palate, however, it is also immediate in character, meaning that you don't need to wait too much longer to pop the cork. Like the other wines from Barone Ricasoli, the intensity and the brawn of the mouthfeel has been intentionally toned down to give this wine a more elegant and light approach, a nice accompaniment to some delicate charcuterie.
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Wine Spectator
Loamy earth and woodsy aromas and flavors set the tone for this savory red, which offers a cherry note from start to finish, along with a deft touch of new oak lending spice accents. Shows poise and persistence.
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
One of the first wine regions anywhere to be officially recognized and delimited, Chianti Classico is today what was originally defined simply as Chianti. Already identified by the early 18th century as a superior zone, the official name of Chianti was proclaimed upon the area surrounding the townships of Castellina, Radda and Gaiole, just north of Siena, by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany in an official decree in 1716.
However, by the 1930s the Italian government had appended this historic zone with additonal land in order to capitalize on the Chianti name. It wasn’t until 1996 that Chianti Classico became autonomous once again when the government granted a separate DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) to its borders. Ever since, Chianti Classico considers itself no longer a subzone of Chianti.
Many Classicos are today made of 100% Sangiovese but can include up to 20% of other approved varieties grown within the Classico borders. The best Classicos will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and be full-bodied with plenty of ripe fruit (plums, black cherry, blackberry). Also common among the best Classicos are expressive notes of cedar, dried herbs, fennel, balsamic or tobacco.