Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2004
Region: Tuscany
Winery: Gabbiano di Castella
Variety: Blend (Red)

LA TRADIZIONE (The Tradition)In the 12th century, a time when battles raged between Siena and Florence for control of the fruitful Tuscan land, Castello di Gabbiano was constructed in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, just south of Florence. Story is told that the Gabbiano Knight, or Cavaliere on horseback, protected the Castello di Gabbiano Estate from outside invaders. On the label, the Cavaliere vividly symbolizes the robust charm and tradition of the Chianti region. Today, this 252-acre estate of vineyards and olive groves is equipped with a modern fermentation cellar, yet the wines are still crafted in the rich and ancient Tuscan winemaking tradition by Giancarlo Roman, winemaker for Castello di Gabbiano.
IL VIGNETO (The Vineyard)The fruit for the 2004 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG was sourced from estate vineyards at the Castello di Gabbiano in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. The grapes were harvested from the oldest and best vines of the historic Castello vineyard, with an average age of 30 years old. A few parcels also came from the Brotini vineyard, whose vines have an average age of 17 years old. Located at approximately 230-240 meters (750-790 feet) above sea level, both vineyards are situated on south and southeastern facing slopes of limestone, marly sandstone and clay that yield fruit rich in perfume and body. IL VINO (The Wine) The juice was fermented in steel tanks 17-20 days at controlled temperatures of 28-30?C (about 82-86?F). Pump-overs were performed 4 times daily for the first 10 days, then 2-3 times per day thereafter. For full extraction of flavor and color, the wine was macerated on the skins for 20-25 days. The wine went through a 100% malolactic fermentation that lasted for 20 days, and then was aged in oak for 18-20 months ? fifty percent in 500-gallon French and Slovenian oak casks, and the other fifty percent in new (70%) and seasoned (30%) French oak barrels. Once bottled, the wine rested another four months before its release.
NOTE D'ENOLIGO (Winemaker's Note)In the glass, the 2004 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG is a deep ruby red color. The nose is filled with highly complex and intense aromas of wilted violet, red fruits and spicy aromas of black pepper and sweet licorice. The palate is mouth-filling and warm, with the red fruit flavors balanced by round tannins, a fresh acidity and a long finish."This is a classic Tuscan vintage ? warm days and cool nights were the right conditions for an even ripening of the fruit, resulting in this well balanced wine." ? Giancarlo Roman, Winemaker
TECHNICAL DETAILSAlcohol: 13.5%Acidity: 0.45 g/100mlpH: 3.55Harvest Date: September 10TH ? October 7th, 2004
CRITICAL ACCLAIM - 2003 CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DOCG
RATED 92, winereviewonline.com "If you're looking for new wave Chianti, look no further...This is a lovely wine with a medium ruby color, aromas of toasted oak, raspberries, anise and hints of smoke. It's big and chewy, with richly textured dark fruit flavors, firm tannins and good length. This is not your father's Chianti, but it is a bargain." (Gerald Boyd) March 20, 2007

Posted by thewinery on February 26th, 2008 at 2:26pm | report comment