Poggio a Frati Riserva Chianti Classico (1990)

About this wine

This 1990 Poggio a Frati Riserva Chianti Classico from Castello di Vicchiomaggio offers a deep ruby color that has gracefully evolved over time. On the nose, it presents a rich bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and subtle earthy notes, reflecting its age and the traditional Sangiovese and Canaiolo blend. The palate is well-structured, featuring flavors of ripe red fruits, tobacco, and a hint of spice, supported by balanced acidity and softened tannins. The finish is long and velvety, leaving a lasting impression of elegance. This wine showcases the exceptional quality of the 1990 vintage in Tuscany, a year noted for its excellent growing conditions.

About the grape

Sangiovese, whose name means "blood of Jupiter," is the primary grape in Chianti Classico wines, known for its high acidity and tannins, which contribute to the wine's structure and aging potential. Canaiolo, once the dominant grape in Chianti blends during the 18th century, is valued for its ability to soften Sangiovese's tannins and add fruity notes, making the wine more approachable. Historically, Canaiolo's resilience to drying made it ideal for the "governo" method, a technique used to ensure complete fermentation by adding partially dried grapes. Over time, Sangiovese became the leading grape in Chianti, but Canaiolo remains an important blending partner, enhancing the wine's balance and complexity.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1990 vintage in Tuscany was exceptional, producing wines with remarkable aging potential.
• 🏰 Castello Vicchiomaggio, the producer of this wine, has a history dating back to the 1100s, with its castle serving as a strategic fortress during the Middle Ages.
• 📜 The Chianti Classico region, where this wine originates, was officially delineated in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, making it one of the world's first legally defined wine regions.
• 🍇 Sangiovese, the primary grape in this blend, is known for its sensitivity to terroir, reflecting the unique characteristics of the soil and climate where it's grown.
• 🐓 The black rooster (gallo nero) emblem on Chianti Classico bottles symbolizes the historic League of Chianti and signifies the wine's authenticity and quality.

Palate profile

Producer

Castello di Vicchiomaggio, originally known as Vicchio dei Longobardi, dates back to around 1100 AD. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Val di Greve, it played a strategic role in defending Florence during medieval conflicts with Siena. During the Renaissance, the castle transformed into an elegant manor house, hosting notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci, who is believed to have stayed there while painting the Mona Lisa, and Francesco Redi, who composed his poem "Bacchus in Tuscany" on the premises. Today, the estate spans 140 hectares, with 34 dedicated to vineyards producing internationally acclaimed wines. The current owners, John and Paola Matta, continue to uphold its rich winemaking tradition.