Chianti DOCG Vergine delle Rocce: history and characteristics

As an exemplary wine and symbol of Italian winemaking tradition, we have chosen to pay tribute to Chianti by selecting this wine from amongst the precious offerings that comprise our ‘Da Vinci I Capolavori’ collection, in the name of Leonardo’s masterpieces.

The Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG from the Da Vinci I Capolavori collection is an expression of Tuscan territory: an unbreakable bond, symbol of love for things created with care and passion.

The Chianti DOCG denomination is one of Tuscany’s oldest: the right blend of grape varieties, the best vinification method and ageing times were already developed in 1870 by Baron Bettino Ricasoli who, in addition to serving as Prime Minister after Cavour, was an expert and respected enologist. In the original recipe, the grape varieties used to obtain a fine Chianti were Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Trebbiano. Since 1984, Chianti wine production has been regulated by production regulations which also determine the areas of origin of the grapes. Today production extends throughout central Tuscany, across the provinces of Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena and Arezzo. Chianti DOCG reflects in its olfactory nuances the characteristics of these soils, rich in arenaceous compounds and galestri.

Chianti is Tuscany, Tuscany is Chianti: a wine that expresses its territory, capable of assuming different expressions depending on the origin areas of the grapes, the ageing time and other variables.
The Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG is a versatile, rounded and fragrant Tuscan red wine produced in hilly areas – up to 130m a.s.l. – of Vinci, Cerreto Guidi and neighbouring towns, composed of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% other red grapes.
The pleasant and intense flavour of the Vergine delle Rocce is fragrant and full-bodied on the palate whilst the aroma is well-balanced and intense, with excellent persistence and a fruity aftertaste.

The grapes are usually harvested towards the end of September and the first days of October. The harvest is gently pressed and then fermented in stainless steel containers at a controlled temperature of 28°C for 10 days. During this process, brief but frequent remontage operations are carried out. Ageing before bottling is always done in stainless steel tanks.

The typical characteristics of the DOCG are clearly visible in the colour of this wine, a clear purple red. The Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG is well-balanced and intense, with excellent persistence and a fruity aftertaste. It is distinguished by its fruity bouquet and dry flavour that refines with time. On the nose it releases spicy and fruity notes of black pepper, cherry and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is fragrant and full-bodied, supported by soft tannins.