Saturday, December 19, 2009

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2006 DOCG


This Chianti Riserva from the 11th century Frescobaldi vineyards of Rufina is sexy and layered with dark deep, cool ruby colors, fruity aromas of pomegranate and black currant, with exotic notes of leather, vanilla, and a barnyard hint. The palate is complex and runs the gamut from black cherry pie topped with powdered sugar to black plum and raspberries, to spice and cocoa powder to smoke and licorice. Fine tannins are expressed with a long clean finish.

It is made from 90% Sangiovese with small amounts of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged 24 months in barrel and 3 months in bottle. Cost is in the $20 range and alcohol content is 13.5%.

Full disclosure: This bottle was a complimentary sample for Vigna Uva Vino from Marchesi de Frescobaldi.

Winery Notes:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina DOCG is one of the historic wines produced at the Castello di Nipozzano. This wine always retains its close relationship with the Castello di Nipozzano terroir.

VINTAGE REPORT:

The 2006 harvest for the Tenute Frescobaldi was completed on October 11. The overall evaluation is very positive, particularly regarding exceptional levels of fruit quality in the areas where the Tenute Frescobaldi are located.Castello di Nipozzano, the standard-bearer of Chianti Rufina DOCG winemaking, experienced even and balanced growing conditions, with normal amounts of rain during July and August.

The year yielded wines of considerable elegance and outstanding ageing potential.Light rains during the summer provided the vines with enough moisture to undergo veraison (change of colour) without problem. Sunny, crisp, dry days in September and October were crucial in developing in the grapes all of the qualities necessary for the production of wines of unsurpassed quality and fine structure.

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