“Coltassala” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda DOCG 2022 (BIO) · 6 bottles in OWC

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

29662722 · 4,5 l · 80,89 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available

At 618 metres above sea level, where the air already carries the coolness of the mountains and the view sweeps across the entire Chianti Valley, lies one of Tuscany's most venerable vineyards: Coltassala – once born as a rebellious Super Tuscan, now honoured as a Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from the Radda UGA – embodies the revolution and evolution of Tuscan winemaking like no other wine. In 1980, Federica Mascheroni Stianti's family dared to break new ground: At a time when the DOC system still mandated Trebbiano and Malvasia in Chianti, she produced a pure Sangiovese wine up here, modelled on the French style, in small barriques rather than the traditional large Slavonian oak casks. What was then still underappreciated as a "Vino da Tavola" heralded a new era.

Today, with the new UGA regulations for Chianti Classico (Unità Geografiche Aggiunte – in Germany one would refer to this as a 'Lage', and in France as a 'Cru'), Coltassala has finally found its rightful home – as a Gran Selezione from the Radda geographical unit, which stands for the most extreme and elegant expressions of Chianti Classico. The altitude lends the wine that characteristic freshness, crystalline acidity and vibrancy that make Radda so unique.

In the glass, Coltassala glows with a vibrant ruby red and unfolds a bouquet of beguiling complexity: Wild berries and wild strawberries blend with warm herbs, vanilla and cocoa to create an aromatic profile that reflects both the cool elegance of the high-altitude terroir and the warm sensuality of Tuscany. On the palate, the full power of the Radda UGA is revealed: structured and powerful, yet never ponderous, with silky tannins and a minerality that speaks of the sandstone soils of Alto Chianti. Today, Coltassala stands as an ambassador for the new Radda UGA, embodying an interpretation of Chianti Classico that unites altitude, elegance and timeless grandeur. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense, brilliant ruby red. Intense on the nose, with notes of prune, chocolate, cedarwood, leather, a hint of vanilla and blackberry jelly. On the palate, it is full-bodied, intense, with substantial, pleasant tannins, yet fresh, elegant acidity. The oak is very well integrated. It just goes on and on." Falstaff

"On the nose, aromas of vanilla and Bing cherries unfold against denser notes of coffee and earth. On the palate, berries, chocolate and orange zest join the cherries, whilst a lively acidity complements the structured, robust tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This seductive red wine combines opulence and fruitiness with aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and menthol. It has a solid structure and impresses with its fine-grained tannins and a long-lasting finish. It demonstrates superb harmony and expressiveness." Wine Spectator

"Notes of cranberry, red blackberries and herbaceous blossoms are accentuated by subtle toasted notes and vanilla, which arise from ageing in new French oak barrels. The concentrated, lively acidity is a testament to the cool terroir. The oak is well integrated and strikes a perfect balance with the depth and richness of the fruit. Long, supple tannins unfold with silky finesse, and the finish captivates with crisp redcurrants." Decanter

"The organically grown Castello di Volpaia 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda Coltassala appears darker in colour than the other wines in this tasting series. On the palate, however – contrary to expectations – it is lighter and livelier than the others. I like how the acidity shapes the finish. Cherry and blackcurrant give way to a medium-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala is truly exceptional. Rich and explosive on the palate, the 2022 flows across the palate with waves of Sangiovese fruit. Hints of blood orange, pomegranate, cinnamon and sweet pipe tobacco appear later, adding layers of dimension. The 2022 is a big wine, but its balance is impeccable." Vinous