2015 Agriturismo Colognole, Chianti Rufina Riserva del Don

ABOUT THE WINE
In 1892, Conte Vencesalao Spalletti, Senator to the Kingdom of Italy and owner of a fine agricultural estate in upper Emilia, purchased the Colognole and Lucciano (in Chianti Montalbano) estates. Colognole was initially utilised mainly for lumber production, thanks to its extensive forests, but in 1912, due to the interest shown from the Conte's sons, Giambattista and Cesar, production focused on grapevines and olive trees. This development led, in the 1930s, to the construction of the Cantine Spalletti in the city of Rufina. Production significantly increased both in quantity and quality, and in the 1960s the name Spalletti had become synonymous with high-quality Tuscan wine, particularly for age-worthy reds. In the 1980s, with the addition to the shareholders of a large sparkling-wine producer, the owner gave up both the production cellar and the name Spattelli and concentrated their efforts on the Colognole Estate.

TASTING NOTES
A medium body with a ruby red colour. Cherry fruit on the nose with darker fruit, light spice, black olive and balsamic notes and delicate earthiness on the palate. Extremely smooth, velvety tannins, and perfectly balanced acidity.

FOOD PAIRING
It goes particularly well with traditional Tuscan meat dishes, such as grilled lamb, pork ribs, stew, and antipasti.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Really impressive, subtle Chianti, the extra time in barrel adds refinement to a supremely enjoyable wine.