Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG
Vintage Report
The 2009 harvest for the Frescobaldi wine estates concluded definitively on October 9 with the arrival in the cellars of fruit from its Sangiovese grapes from the Montesodi vineyard. The final results are quite positive with respect to overall fruit quality. Spring followed the pattern set in recent years, with heavy rains that presented a challenge to the vineyard crews tending the vines and protecting them against fungal attacks, but at least the rains built up groundwater reserves. The even, well-paced weather conditions mean 2009 wines of significant elegance and guaranteed cellarability. In contrast to the spring rains, summer brought mild, sunny weather, right into autumn. Light rains arrived in mid-September, but did nothing to harm the sound health of the grapes nor the excellent levels of ripeness.
Tasting Notes
Nipozzano 2009 is a lovely ruby-red. The nose opens with dark wild berries and cherry, hints of candy floss and pleasant floral notes of lilac and chocolate. The spicy component emerges with nuances of clove and green peppercorn. The palate is characterized by a distinct tactile approach in which the stamp of the terroir is underlined by a lively minerality. The tannin texture is tight but not sharp which is also an expression of the uniqueness of the soils of Nipozzano. The finish returns to the intense fruity notes already identified on the nose.
Technical Information
Variety: Sangiovese 90%, 10% altre (Malvasia nera, Colorino, Merlot,Cabernet Sauvignon)
Yield/Hectare: 45 hl/ha (2.63 Tons/Acres)
Harvest period: End of September, beginning of October
Vineyard practices: Manual
Fermentation vats: Stainless steel vats, keeping the different varieties separated
Fermentation temperature: <30°C (86° Fahrenheit)
Alcohol by volume: 13,5°
Length of fermentation: 13 days
Length of maceration on the skins: 25 days
Malolactic fermentation: Immediately after the alcoholic fermentation
Maturation method: Stainless steel vats, keeping the different varieties separated
Length of maturation: 24 months in barriques and 3 months in bottle
Bottle formats: 0,375 lt., 0,75 lt, 1,5 lt., 3lt