Chianti is a red wine with DOCG designation that has ancient origins in the area of the same name in Tuscany. From Tuscany it has spread internationally, becoming one of the best-known Italian red wines abroad. As an excellence, as well as a symbol of the Italian wine tradition, we decided to pay homage to Chianti by selecting this wine among the precious proposals that make up our “Da Vinci I Capolavori” collection, in the name of Leonardo’s masterpieces.
Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG from the Da Vinci I Capolavori collection is an expression of the Tuscan territory: an unbreakable bond, a symbol of the love for things made with care and passion.
Chianti DOCG: wine history
The Chianti DOCG appellation is one of the oldest in Tuscany: the right blend of grapes, the best method for winemaking and the aging times were worked out as early as 1870 by Bettino Ricasoli, who, in addition to having been Prime Minister after Cavour, was an expert and highly regarded winemaker. In the original recipe, the grape varieties to be used to make a good Chianti were Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Trebbiano. Since 1984, the production of Chianti wine has been regulated by production regulations, which also determine the areas of origin of the grapes. To date, provenance is extended to all of central Tuscany, in the territory of the provinces of Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena and Arezzo. Chianti DOCG reflects in its olfactory nuances the characteristics of these soils, rich in sandstone and galestro compounds.
Leonardo da Vinci Chianti DOCG Vergine delle Rocce: characteristics
Chianti is Tuscany, Tuscany is Chianti: a wine that is an expression of its terroir, capable of taking on different declinations depending on the areas of origin of the grapes, the aging time and other variations.
Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG is a versatile, round and fragrant Tuscan red wine that originates in the hilly areas – up to 130m asl – of Vinci, Cerreto Guidi and neighboring municipalities and is composed of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% other red grapes.
The pleasant and intense taste of Vergine delle Rocce is fragrant and full-bodied on the palate while the aroma is balanced and intense, with excellent persistence and a fruity aftertaste.
Leonardo da Vinci Chianti DOCG Vergine delle Rocce: vinification and aging
The grapes are usually harvested in late September and early October. The harvest is softly crushed and later fermented in stainless steel containers at a controlled temperature of 28°C for 10 days. Short but frequent pumping over is carried out during this process. Aging before bottling is always carried out in steel tanks.
Leonardo da Vinci Chianti DOCG Vergine delle Rocce: tasting notes
The typical characteristics of the DOCG are clearly visible in the color of this wine, a clear purple-red. Vergine delle Rocce Chianti DOCG is balanced and intense, with excellent persistence and a fruity aftertaste. It is distinguished by its fruity bouquet and dry flavor that refines over time. The nose releases spicy and fruity hints of black pepper, cherry and fresh red fruit. On the other hand, it is fragrant and full-bodied on the palate, supported by soft tannins.
Chianti DOCG: food pairings
Chianti goes very well with a variety of dishes, especially with first and second courses with an intense and strong taste, based on red meat, game and roasts. It also pairs well with traditional Tuscan dishes, such as ribollita or bean and black cabbage soup. Its spicy aromas also make it an ideal pairing with cured meats and aged cheeses.
