Chianti Classico Riserva (1958)

About this wine

The 1969 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva offers a complex bouquet of dried cherries, leather, and earthy undertones, reflecting its decades of maturation. On the palate, it presents a harmonious blend of softened tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a lingering finish with hints of tobacco and spice. This wine is a testament to the longevity of Sangiovese, the primary grape in Chianti, known for its ability to develop nuanced flavors over time. Produced in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, this vintage embodies the traditional winemaking practices of the area. The Badia a Coltibuono estate, with its roots dating back to the 11th century, has long been recognized for crafting wines that capture the essence of their terroir.

About the grape

In the 1969 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese served as the primary grape, providing the wine's structure and characteristic flavors. Canaiolo was traditionally blended with Sangiovese to soften its tannins and add fruitiness, enhancing the wine's balance. Ciliegiolo, known for its bright cherry notes, contributed to the wine's aromatic profile and added complexity. Colorino, valued for its deep color, was used to intensify the wine's hue without significantly altering its flavor. Together, these varietals created a harmonious blend that reflected the traditional winemaking practices of the Chianti Classico region.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1969 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva was produced during a time when Chianti regulations permitted the inclusion of white grape varieties, such as Trebbiano and Malvasia, in the blend.
• 🏰 Badia a Coltibuono, meaning 'Abbey of the Good Harvest,' is a historic estate founded in 1051 by Vallombrosan monks, making it one of the oldest wineries in Tuscany.
• 🍷 The 1969 vintage of this Chianti Classico Riserva is noted for its lean profile, with some tasters reporting green fruit notes and drying tannins, reflecting the wine's age and the vintage's characteristics.
• 🌰 In 1969, Chianti Classico wines were often aged in large chestnut casks, a traditional practice that influenced the wine's flavor profile, imparting unique earthy and nutty notes.
• ⏳ The 1969 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva is a testament to the longevity of well-made Chianti wines, with bottles still being opened and evaluated decades after production.

Palate profile

Producer

Badia a Coltibuono, meaning 'Abbey of the Good Harvest,' was founded in 1051 by Vallombrosan monks in Tuscany, Italy. The monks cultivated vineyards and olive groves, continuing agricultural practices dating back to the Etruscans and Romans. After the monastery's suppression in 1810, the estate was acquired in 1846 by the Giuntini family, ancestors of the current owners, the Stucchi Prinetti family. Today, the estate is renowned for its organic wines and olive oils, produced with a commitment to sustainability and tradition.