“Coltassala” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda DOCG 2021 (BIO) · 6 bottles in OWC

Castello di Volpaia | Tuscany
Compagnia di Volpaia srl. | Loc. Volpaia | IT 53017 Radda

29662721 · 4,5 l · 80,89 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available

At 618 metres above sea level, where the air already carries the coolness of the mountains and the view sweeps over the entire Chianti Valley, lies one of the most venerable vineyards in Tuscany: Coltassala – once born as a rebellious Supertuscan, today ennobled as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from the UGA Radda, embodies the revolution and evolution of Tuscan viticulture like no other wine. In 1980, Federica Mascheroni Stianti's family took the plunge: when the DOC system was still forcing Trebbiano and Malvasia into Chianti, they pressed a pure Sangiovese wine up here in small barriques based on the French model instead of the traditional large Slavonia barrels. What was then still misjudged as Vino da Tavola heralded a new era. Today, with the new UGA rules of Chianti Classico (Unita Geografiche Aggiunte, in Germany one would say Lage, in France Cru), Coltassala is finally finding its well-deserved home – as a Gran Selezione from the Radda geographical unit, which stands for the most extreme and elegant expressions of Chianti Classico. The altitude gives the 2021 vintage that characteristic freshness that makes Radda so unique – despite the warm weather, the wine retains its crystalline acidity and vibrancy.

Coltassala glows a vibrant ruby red in the glass and unfolds a bouquet of beguiling complexity: wild berries and wild strawberries combine with warm herbs, vanilla and cocoa to create an aromatic profile that reflects both the cool elegance of the altitude and the warm sensuality of Tuscany. The palate reveals the full power of Radda UGA: structured and powerful, but never ponderous, with silky tannins and a minerality that tells of the sandstone soils of Alto Chianti. Today, Coltassala is the ambassador for the new Radda UGA, an interpretation of Chianti Classico that combines height, elegance and timeless grandeur. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Very spicy and intense aromas of cedar wood, tobacco and cardamom on the nose, followed by ripe blackberries and plums. Very appealing and balanced on the palate with good fruit and acidity, grippy tannins and a long, fruity final." Falstaff

"Cherry and strawberry flavors are enhanced by notes of mint, earth, spice and iron in this powerful red, which builds in intensity to the long, oak-tinged finish. All the components are there, just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda Coltassala is layered and fun aromatically with bright cherry fruit and powdery aromas that recall crushed stone or chalk. Indeed, the mineral identity in this wine is nicely defined. This blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Mammolo is quite generous in terms of bouquet but a little less so in terms of texture. There is nice freshness, and this Gran Selezione from Radda has a medium-long finish. There's even a hint of white peppercorn on the close." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is one of the finest wines I have tasted from Volpaia. This ample, resonant Gran Selezione offers notable fruit intensity and exceptional balance. Soft contours and a kiss of French oak lend a contemporary touch. All the elements are so nicely balanced." Vinous

"A precise, silky and juicy gran selezione with volume and brightness. Aromas of forest berries, wild strawberries, warm herbs and baking spices dominate on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Vivid and succulent with crunchy berry character. Lively and agile with a harmonious structure and a flavorful; vibrant and long finish." James Suckling