M�rke: Melini

“Vigneti La Selvanella”
Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva

Grapes: sangiovese grosso.

Vineyard: 49.20 hectares of vineyards, belonging to the property, trained by the Guyot and cordone speronato systems on the hills (average 400 metres altitude) of Fattoria La Selvanella, in the commune of Radda in Chianti, one of the best crus in the classic zone, through a happy combination of soil (mainly alberese), aspect (southwest) and microclimate.

Vinification and maturation: the very healthy bunches, picked at the end of October, were traditionally vinified with 20 days maceration and frequent pumping of the must over the cap; after the alcoholic fermentation at no more than 27°C, and the malolactic, the wine was matured for 30 months in French oak casks.

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva La Selvanella 2006 has a clear, dark, ruby colour with garnet tints, a full, complex bouquet with strong notes of raspberry conserve and of irises and hints of vanilla, cinnamon and leather. The flavour is full, warm and savoury with an elegant and lingering aftertaste of woodland undergrowth and toasted almonds. It can be kept longer than usual, and improves with time.

Analytical details: 13.35 % alcohol; 5.40 g/l total acidity; 3.35 pH; 1.95 g/l residual sugar; 29 g/l extract.

Optimum keeping: 10-12 years in bottles stored horizontally in cool dark conditions.

Food matches: red meats, game, mature cheeses.

Serving temperature: 18°C.

Unusual fact: Selvanella was the first single vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva, in the 1969 vintage, made from the grapes from a unique cru.