San Pietro in Avenano

Italy > Tuscany > Chianti Classico

 

Description:
San Pietro in Avenano is located in the famous township of Gaiole, in the eastern section of the Chianti Classico growing district. It is named for a church that was built in the 16th century, and the vineyards belong to a large estate that extends over approximately 2,500 acres.

The view from San Pietro is spectacular, because the vines are grown at an altitude of over 1,000’ and are part of an exceptional vista over the rugged, hilly Tuscan countryside. The soils used to grow the Chianti Classico DOCG are gravelly, composed of local rocks known as galestro and alberese. After an extensive replanting program in the 1970s and 1980s, the vines are fully mature, and are exclusively Sangiovese – no white varieties are used.

Stylistically, San Pietro in Avenano bridges the traditional Sangiovese style with the smoother, more modern style by combining tank and barrique aging, according to the quality grade. The regular Chianti Classico is one-third barrique aged, one-third aged in 54 hl oak casks, and one-third aged in stainless steel. The superior Riserva is one-half barrique aged and one-third oak aged, with no aging in tank. After about eighteen months, the wine is bottled.

There is also a Super Tuscan IGT, sold under the name Avenano, which was the result of many experiments with Bordeaux grape varieties. Merlot was found to be the ideal variety for this soil and location, and 20% is blended with Sangiovese to make a smooth, ripe red wine. Unlike the Chianti Classico, Avenano is not barrique aged and is generally released within a year. For those who prefer less wood aging in a Super Tuscan red wine, Avenano is an ideal choice.
 

Back

Website: http://www.castellomeleto.it