Vintage - 2015

Country - Italy

Region - Tuscany

Grape Varieties - Sangiovese 90%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%

Alcohol by volume - 14%

Bottle - 75cl

The historical origins of Castello Vicchiomaggio can be traced back to the 5th century. The present owners, the Matta family, acquired the property in 1964 and restored it back to its former splendour. The estate, with 150 hectares, is one of the largest in the area, and of these, 32 hectares are dedicated to the vine. Castello Vicchiomaggio produces several styles of wine, from the traditional to the innovative. In order to achieve this, the estate has been carefully classified according to its soil type and exposure. All production and winemaking is supervised by John Matta. The hallmark of John's wines is elegance, perfumed, stylish and all have beautiful balance. These wines truly show off the Sangiovese grape at its best. Vicchiomaggio is consistently classified amongst Italy's top estates and John Matta has been named IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year four times in the last 14 years.

The Chianti Classico region experienced a balanced climate during the 2015 vintage. Warm weather in spring allowed the buds to flower evenly. This was followed by fantastic weather conditions during the growing season, warm, sunny days with low rainfall were balanced by cooler nights, enabling the grapes to reach excellent maturity levels in a healthy condition and with concentrated flavours. 2015 is considered an excellent vintage.

The grapes are sourced from the Agostino Petri vineyard, located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. It sits at an altitude of 255 to 265 metres above sea level. Planted at a density of 5,600 vines per hectare, the vines are pruned according to the Single Guyot method which ensures low yields of approximately 40 hectolitres per hectare. The soils are made up of a high proportion of heavy clay- approximately 30%, which is renowned for its cooling properties and water retention for the vine, as well as for producing bold wines from the Sangiovese grape. The vineyard is managed sustainably.

The grapes were harvested by hand at optimal maturity and carefully sorted. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks of 50 hectolitres, with 15 days’ maceration on skins to extract colour, flavour and fine tannins. The wine was matured initially in French oak second use barriques (previously used for La Prima Gran Selezione); and then in large oak barrels of 25 to 50 hectolitres lasting 18 months in total. The wine was then cellared in bottle for a further four to six months prior to release.

A perfumed and elegant wine, with a developed nose of ripe fruit and sweet spices; reminiscent of chocolate, strawberry praline and candied cherry. Opulent and rounded with soft tannins on the palate, harmoniously balanced and extremely long, silky finish. Serve at room temperature to accompany roast or grilled meats, game and Tuscan bean stew.