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When choosing Chianti, the mantra of many a real estate agent comes to mind: Location, location, location. Each nook and cranny of the appellation's many hillsides has its own microclimate, soil and vibrant personality—thus seeking a “true” Chianti Classico is to miss the point. The many faces of Sangiovese—like Pinot Noir in Burgundy—allow a Chianti lover a new discovery around every verdant bend.
The Chianti we've discovered at Villa Ritina, in the southwest corner of the Chianti Classico appellation, is pure Sangiovese decadence. It is not for nothing that we have christened this hilly area just outside Poggibonsi the “Pomerol” of Chianti. Sangiovese here gives birth to wine that shows hints of melted dark chocolate—concentrated and savory, seriously luscious and elegant.
Villa Ritina's excellent vineyards face due south, an optimal exposure for full-bodied and beautifully ripe Sangiovese. A blend of rocky soils and sub-soil clay contribute both a structured minerality and a broad, silky mouthfeel to the wine. What's more, our partners at Villa Ritina seek no artificial help from international varietals—with so much sun on their side, they hardly need to. In these vineyards, only the true Sangiovese is king.
Villa Ritina over the past two decades has performed incredible work on its terraced vineyards, replanting vines and increasing density. Today these vineyards are in their prime. At more than 1,000 feet above sea level, the estate's low-yielding vineyards are harvested exclusively by hand, and fruit is vinified naturally in both tank and barrel.
Our Chianti Classico selection is a high-altitude, hand-harvested 100% Sangiovese wine that is vinified in a combination of tank and barrel, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The Sangiovese di Toscana is 100% Sangiovese wine from declassified Chianti Classico grapes, and vinified completely in tank to preserve its fruity, lush profile. It is also bottled unfined and unfiltered. "Eliana" is a special selection of Sangiovese grapes from the estate's finest vineyards.