Winery: Caposaldo

2005 Chianti is Tuscany’s most popular wine and has brought worldwide fame to this much loved winemaking region. Etruscan and Ancient Roman civilizations were the first to cultivate vines on Tuscan soil and Caposaldo continues this tradition with its classic Chianti selection. Produced from hand-harvested grapes from choice vineyards in the Chianti D.O.C.G. zone, this Sangiovese-based wine is carefully blended with indigenous and international varietals that classically express the heritage of this ancient land and its winemaking tradition. The grapes for Caposaldo Chianti originate from the hilly provinces surrounding Arezzo and Siena in the Chianti D.O.C.G. region of Tuscany. The 15-year-old vines are grown in traditional layers of clay, lime and schist in south/south-east facing vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand in individually selected bunches, generally in October. Four varietals are used: 75% Sangiovese , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Malvasia del Chianti. Each varietal is vinified separately using a traditional vinification method with maceration on the skins in a cement tank. Seventy percent of the wine is aged in wood (large, 25hl casks) for eight months and 30% rests in cement tanks before blending. A fruity aroma shows hints of violets, while the dry cherry flavors and light tannins culminate in a long, elegant finish. The wine’s finesse increases with age. Food: pasta with tomato- or meat-based sauces, meaty mushrooms, roasted white meats or grilled meats. December 2007 Quality Wine of the Month