2017 Lornano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (750ml)
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A Quarterly Red Cellar Trio Wine Club Selection
Brick red. Classic aromas of crushed rock, fresh red berries and exotic spice. The palate exhibits rich fruit flavors of ripe red and black plums, bramble fruit and berry compote, with notes of cigar box and dusty earth. The palate is artfully balanced, with fresh acidity and a long and expressive finish. A prime example of when Riserva Chianti really starts drinking well, and starting to show the benefits of extended bottle ageing.
Founded in 1904, Lornano is a family-owned boutique winery located on the southwestern hills of Castellina in Chianti on the border between Castellina and Monteriggioni. The original winery was built in the fifteenth century around the old church of Lornano, and the current structure was built in the latter half of the eighteenth century. The historic Fattoria di Lornano has been a member of the Consorzio del Marchio Storico Chianti Classico Gallo Nero—the first wine consortium in Italy—since its foundation in 1924.Today, the estate consists of over 180 hectares, 70 of which are under vines. 80% of the vineyards are planted to 15 different, carefully selected clones of Sangiovese with the aim of expressing the authentic character of this ancient and amazing grape! The remainder is planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small percentage of the white varietals: Trebbiano and Malvasia used to produce the famous Vin Santo del Chianti Classico. Located at an average altitude of 300 meters above sea level, the vineyards are sustainably farmed and characterized by their diverse soils and microclimates. They produce sophisticated wines, free of chemical fertilizers and herbicides, using minimal amounts of sulfur.
100% Sangiovese from a single vineyard, the grapes were harvested by hand, carefully de-stemmed and vinified in stainless-steel tanks, with maceration on the skins lasting approximately 25 days, at an average temperature of 78°F. The young wine underwent malolactic fermentation, before being transferred to French oak barrels where it remained for 24 months. The finished wine was subsequently bottle conditioned for an additional 6 months prior to its release.