Castello di Meleto, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, 2020

Producer Profile

Castello di Meleto has been a landmark for visitors to Gaiole, Chianti since 1256, thanks to its strategic position between Florence and Siena.

Yet it is in its most recent incarnation, under the guidance of Michele Contartese and his team of winemakers and viticulturists, that new life, vigour and unparalleled attention to detail has been brought to this imposing property. Today the estate produces authentic expressions of the Chianti Classico region – elegant and structured, with a freshness and minerality derived from its low-yielding, largely organic vineyards. The land of Castello di Meleto extends to 1,600ha, of which just 160ha are dedicated to viticulture. In recent years, greater understanding of the soils has led to the identification of five separate plots: Meleto, San Piero, Casi, Poggiarso and Moci.

Viticulture

From the Casi, Meleto, Poggiarso, San Pietro vineyards, where the soils are mostly comprised of ‘alberese’ and Tuscan ‘galestro’. Very clayey, rich of iron and quartz. Vines are trained spurred cordon, guyot and bush vines.

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand after vigorous selection in the vineyard. Stems are removed and grapes are soft pressed. The must obtained undergoes spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in 53 Hl wooden casks. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine remains in contact with the skins for 20-25 days before it is introduced into cement vats for malolactic fermentation. The wine ages 20 months in 54 hl Slavonian oak barrels and concrete vats.

Tasting Note

Intense ruby red colour with a nose of ripe fruit, aromatic herbs with a touch of sweet spices and freshly ground black pepper. On the palate wine shows round body, soft tannins, balanced by complex and persistent finish.

Food Matching

Perfect to accompany pasta dishes with meat or game ragu, or ideal with mature cheeses such as Pecorino.

Awards