Palladio

Chianti Riserva DOCG 2003

Wine Description

This Chianti is made with 100% Sangiovese, harvested by hand and vinified with an extended skin-contact maceration of 12-14 days. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 82/84°F. Malolactic fermentation is carried out under controlled temperature and humidity levels.

Tasting Notes

Palladio Chianti Riserva is ruby red in color, with rich dark red nuances and a distinctly fruity bouquet. Its supple cherry aromas are followed by hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It is full-bodied and balanced, with fine-grained tannins. More complex and structured than regular Chianti, this Riserva has an unmistakable Tuscan personality and is best with meat-based dishes, barbecued pork or veal, and game.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: Various vineyards in the Vinci area
Soil composition: 46% sand, 28% clay, 26% silt
Training method: Guyot
Elevation (feet): 330
Vines/acre: 2,000
Exposure: Southwestern
Year vineyard planted: 1980-1998

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 100% Sangiovese
Harvest time: September-October
First vintage of this wine: 1965
Number bottles produced of this wine: 100,000
Fermentation
Fermentation container: stainless steel
Fermentation temperature (°F): 86
Length of maceration (days): 14
Aging
Aging container: French oak
Length of aging before bottling: 27 months
Length of bottle aging: 4 months
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 13.0%
pH level: 3.2
Acidity (grams/liter): 5.2
Dry extract (grams/liter): 28

Reviews

Wine Advocate - June 2006

“A dark, meaty personality with notes of cedar, damp earth, black currants, cherries, lavender, and spice. Medium to full-bodied and ripe with good richness and a fine finish, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 3-4 years.”
89 points