2019 Villa Saletta Chianti Superiore DOCG

The year 980 is the first recorded year of winemaking at Villa Saletta. A long history behind this winery, which is why they make their wines entirely traditionally. Since 2000, the winery has been owned by Guy and Julia Hands.

Only perfect berries are used, using small, new French Allier oak barrels with full fermentation. Perlèts are also used, which create a "redox atmosphere." This reduces the amount of oxygen to which the grapes are exposed, allowing the first drops of wine to develop slowly on the skins. This preserves freshness and aroma while extracting color and roundness for an elegant and supple tannic structure.

For all wines, the must undergoes full malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels. This transforms the sharp acidity into softer, more buttery flavors. They are one of the few Italian companies that performs this full (and expensive) malolactic fermentation in new oak, a technique more commonly associated with (top) Bordeaux wines.

The DOGC Chianti Superiore is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot, produced according to the traditions of this Tuscan heritage. The grapes are harvested varietally, lightly crushed, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 26° and 28°C. The skin contact period is approximately 10 days for Sangiovese and 15 days for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The extraction techniques are focused on maximizing aroma and fragrance, soft and supple tannins, and emphasizing acidity and a savory, mineral character. The wine is further aged in Slavonian oak barrels, after which it undergoes a year of cellar aging before bottling.

In the glass, this Villa Saletta Chianti Superiore has a ruby red color with violet hues. It has a fresh nose with an attractive cherry note, interspersed with dark blackberries. It has a full, intense aroma, reminiscent of floral and red fruit notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh, smooth, and well-balanced with a complex texture, recalling hints of violets, cherries, and vanilla. Polished and juicy at first, it reveals red berry fruit, then on the finish, distinct aromas of wood, caramel, and hazelnuts, before becoming slightly dry.

91/100 James Suckling