R.S. · Chianti Classico DOCG 2021

  Badia a Coltibuono's Chianti Classico R.S. is a personal tribute to Roberto Stucchi, and it is precisely this fact that gives it additional profile and character. It comes from the vineyards around Monti in Gaiole and Vitignano in Castelnuovo Berardenga, at altitudes between 260 and 370 meters above sea level and with south, southeast, and southwest exposure. The soils are characterized by clay with a limestone subsoil, which gives the wine a good balance between structure and elegance. The vineyards are organically farmed, with mass-selected Sangiovese and small proportions of complementary traditional grape varieties, with the utmost care taken in grape selection and hand harvesting.

Vinification and aging are designed to create a deep, expressive profile without losing freshness. Maceration typically lasts about three weeks, supported by traditional methods such as punch-down to gently extract color, tannins, and aromas. The R.S. then matures in larger oak barrels and also uses barriques to introduce selected spice and wood accents, but sparingly and with style in mind so that fruit and terroir continue to dominate. On the palate, the wine typically displays dark forest berries, cherry, and a spicy depth with herbal notes, some tobacco or spice, and a beautifully integrated acidity. The tannins are present but polished. Accessible in its youth, it gains further complexity and finesse with a few years of bottle aging. - Gerardo [TS10/22]