CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012
2012 was a very hot vintage. The summer drought caused the Sangiovese vines to shut down and block the ripening. This was a blessing in disguise because it prevented the grapes from shrivelling. After rains at the beginning of September they ripened beautifully.

Grape Varieties: 80% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Canaiolo.
Harvest: September 11th – October 10th.
Ageing: Sangiovese 12 months in 33 Hl Sangiovese: 12 months in 33 Hl “botte” barrel and used 225-litre barriques; Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo: used 225-litre barriques.
Bottling: May 2014.

Harvest Report: 2012 was our first vintage. It was a very hot summer, and the heat certainly affected the grapes. We also lost a lot of buds and grapes to roe-deer who tend to venture out of the woods when short of food. The Merlot suffered the heat, with grapes becoming over-ripe and jammy, but the Syrah, which stands up to heat much better, was exceptional, though we only made little more than two barriques. The heat almost stopped the ripening of the Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Cabernet, so the welcome rain in early September meant the grapes were late but perfectly ripe, without any over-ripening. The 2012 harvest started on September 11th and finished on October 10th, and it was interrupted by occasional rainy days, which never caused any difficulties.