Castello Vicchiomaggio
Tuscany in Italy

Above: The estate, vineyards, fermentation, cellar and barrel room of Castello Vicchiomaggio.

Castello Vicchiomaggio dates back to the 5th century, when it was called Vicchio dei Longobardi. Since 1964, the Matta family, whose owners John Matta and wife Paolo continued to oversee their charge since 1982, continues to manage its family run estate. This 32 hectares estate is located a few kilometres North of Greve in the heart of the Chianti Classico region on top of a hill with overseeing the countryside.

The estate vineyards are planted with Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes from each vineyard are vinified separately in stainless steel, and then oak aged in the air conditioned cellars beneath the castle. Several different styles of wine are produced, from the traditional modern with its best wine offering and bottling in its La Prima series. Annual production is around 29,000 cases.

The estate’s product offering and bottling is summarized as below:

Castello Vicchiomaggio San Jacobo Chianti Classico (Red): A make of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Colorino. Aged for 12 to 24 months in traditional large barrels.

Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico Riserva Petri (Red): 20 year old vines of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 6 months in small barrels, 6 months more in larger barrels with an additional 9 months in bottle before release.

Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico La Prima Riserva (Red): From 35 year old vines. 100% Sangiovese with 16 to 20 months in small barrel before bottling and release. Typically, 1,000 cases are made annually.

Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle Mandorle Toscana IGT (Red): A suggested Super-Tuscan blend of 75% Sangiovese, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. As we read, the label’s Sangiovese see larger barrels, while Cabernet Sauvignon gets the smaller ones.

Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle More Toscana IGT (Red): A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. 18 to 24 months in small barrels before bottling and release.

The wines of Chianti Classico traditionally exports a majority of their wines to the US, and Europe. Its premium and normale Chiantis, premium to fine Super-tuscans are more readily available and may be found in Asian wine retail and shelves. They are often priced reasonably for some, at a premium for the best producers, and yet remain within reach to the average wine consumer and social drinker.

Contact Details:
Castello Vicchiomaggio
Via Vicchiomaggio, 4
50022 - Greve in Chianti
Firenze, Italy
Tel. +39 0 5585 4079
Fax +39 0 5585 3911
Email: info@vicchiomaggio.it
Website: Click here.

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2004 Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico la Prima Riserva
Italy, Tuscany

TH24042008. 14.0%. 100% Sangiovese from 35 year old vines. 18 months in 1 year old oak barrels. 833 cases made. Bright red aromas of cherry and plums. Medium-bodied, spice, with dry and good levels of acidity, a pleasant red coated palate which would had been an ideal companion to roast meats and pasta dishes. Short finish. Drink from 2008 to 2011.

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Photographs and text by Daniel. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.