Page 64 - Grapevine May-June 2019
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International News
“The Highest Vineyard in Chianti Classico There is a total of 2,100 acres, 390 of which are
dedicated to vineyards.
Elevation: 1,150 ft. – 2,150 ft. above sea level
Soil: clay and limestone, with good drainage.
Climate: continental, 39°F – 41°F in the winter and
86°F in the summer.
Training System: Spurred Cordon, Guyot, and
Double Tuscan Capovolto.
Vine Density: 5,000 vines per hectare
Varietals: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Canaiolo, Trebbiano Toscano,
Malvasia del Chianti
POINTS OF INTEREST
HISTORICAL NOTES
• The high altitude vineyards add a greater ele-
gance, aromas, acidity, and more structured The Castello di Albola Estate is situated in Radda
tannins to the Estate’s wines. at the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG appella-
tion, where the legacy of grape cultivation dates
• The Acciaiuoli family of Florence built the Castle back to the time of the Etruscans. The Acciaiuoli
in the 15th century. family commissioned the estate to plant its lofty
vineyard in Chianti Classico in the 15th century as
• The name “Chianti” derives from two possible a symbol of their high status. Over the centuries,
words: the Etruscan family name, “Clantes”, many noble Tuscan families have owned the prop-
who introduced grape growing to the region erty, and the estate has earned various accolades
from the 7th and 8th cen- for its wines. In 1979, the Zonin family acquired
turies or from the sound Castello di Albola promising to uphold the estate’s
“clangor”, which describes excellence for future generations. The wines pro-
the blaring of trumpets used duced in Castello di Albola have earned the iconic
during the hunting season. “Gallo Nero” symbol from the Chianti Classico Wine
Consortium, which guarantees the highest stan-
ESTATE dards in winemaking.
Name: Castello di Albola
[Cass-tell-oh dal-bo-lah] is
the name of the castle in the
village of Albola.
Location: The property is
situated only 30 minutes out-
side of Siena in the commune
of Radda in Chianti. It has the
highest elevation of any vine-
yard throughout the Chianti
Classico DOCG appellation.
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