Colognole, Tuscana, Italy
Highest of the Chianti zones
Colognole is one of the historic wine producers in the Chianti Rufina zone, as well as one of the most prestigious in the area. It makes wine exclusively from grapes grown in its own 27 hectares of vineyards, and produces an average of 120,000 bottles per year, distributed in Italy and in the most important countries worldwide, from Europe to Australia, from North America to the Far East.
At the Colognole Country Wine Estate, hospitality extended to wine-sector professionals and to wine-lovers has always been one of the most important means of spreading appreciation of Colognole wines and of the culture of the local growing area. The Chianti Rufina DOCG zone is the smallest in extent of the various Chianti denominations, but it is also the most ancient, inasmuch as its borders were defined in 1716 by the decree of Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici.
Enotourism and guided tours
In addition, thanks to its position next to the Apennine mountain chain, the Chianti Rufina DOCG is commonly referred to as "the highest of the Chiantis", both in elevation and in latitude of its vineyards, but in terms of the elegance and longevity of its wines as well.
This centuries-old local winegrowing culture, as well as the passion and commitment with which the Conti Spalletti family have been making wine for over 120 years, is the central theme of the guided winery tours and tastings. The comparison among the different vintages of the same wine, in order to "put to the test" the classic cellarability and elegance of Chianti Rufina wines, is a revealing way to understand the qualities of this denomination.
Sinopie, Rufina Chianti
Sinopie is the second label of the estate, used for the grapes that have not quite met the demands they have for their highly regarded Chianti Rufina. In many cases, the vines are still fairly young. The wine is classified as Chianti DOCG, however, they are still sourced from within the Rufina DOCG area.
To get Sangiovese grapes to ripen to perfection is a difficult task: low temperatures, day/night differences in temperatures and frequent rain make it necessary to reduce yields. The vineyards have been replanted according to scientific criteria (clone selections, careful choice of the rootstock, physical-chemical preparation of soil) and they have been positioned for optimum exposure to the sun.
This wine is a lighter, easier drinking Chianti, similar to what locals within the region would drink daily.
Sinopie refers to the guide lines that artists drew on the walls in preparation to paint large fresco’s. Our own guide lines for making Sinopie Chianti are the crispness of its fruit, the vibrancy of acidity and its genius for pairing with foods. Such is the Sangiovese in the style of Classic Chianti.
Colognole, Chianti Rufina
Grapes: Sangiovese and Canaiolo
Damson, spice and basil on the nose. Black cherry with fine ripe, elegant tannins that add a strand of leather and porcini, expanding into delicate rose and violet flavours.
An exceptional wine 14.5%
The terroir is a slate like rock with negligible topsoils on the upper vineyards (650m), with galestro and white clays lower down (400m). It is great ‘dirt’ for vines, but it is the altitude that makes these wines unique, long sunny days and cold nights mean the grapes mature slowly and each berry holds its acidity and it is this balance of tannin, sugar and acidity that gives this wine such ageing potential.
All the work in the vineyard is manual, the vines run up and down the slope and are planted using a Guyot system, there are 15 different clones of Sangiovese planted and the Canaiolo is an old biotype from the estate. The bunches are sorted and de-stemmed before being fermented in temperature-controlled steel tanks. The wine is aged and goes through malolactic transformation in botti (large old barrels), this usually lasts 12 months.
Vegan Friendly
Red - Medium Bodied
Colognole Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don 2016
This Riserva is only produced in the finest vintages (none was made in 1992, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2013 or 2014) from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown on the family estate. The Sangiovese is aged 18 months in a selection of French and Slavonian oak barrels.
Red berry fruit along with floral rose character, pungent balsam and well delineated black pepper. Maturation in oak has mellowed the exuberance of the tannins, but they are still impressive and serve to extend the progression on the palate. Further bottle aging will serve to bring out the fine qualities of the vintage.
Colognole Sara, Syrah Toscana 2018
A sophisticated wine, characterized by aromas of cherry and dark fruits, enriched with elegant notes of black pepper and balsamic nuances. On the palate, sweet and ripe tannins are perfectly integrated with a balanced acidity and a delicate oak note.
Great to combine with dishes of lamb or spicy game, this Syrah goes equally well with tasty first courses, as risotto with intense flavors.
Colognole Le Lastre Toscana Rosso 2018
The Toscana IGT Le Lastre of the Colognole farm was born in vineyards located on the Florentine hills.
It is produced with Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot grapes, macerated for 12-15 days at a controlled temperature of 27 ° with frequent aging. Sangiovese ages in Slavonian oak barrels for about 1 year, while Syrah and Merlot mature in small Allier oak barrels, half new, for about 10 months. Once bottled, it ages for a further 6 - 12 months before being released on the market.
The Le Lastre wine has intense aromas of ripe fruit, almost peppery, with lively hints of raspberry. In the mouth, freshness and fullness dominate, accompanied by a still lively tannins. With aging, the balance between the various components improves considerably. This wine is an excellent expression of territoriality, accompanied by a balanced union between classic and international vines.
Perfect to accompany tasty first courses, it goes well with red and white meat dishes.