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Research and conjecture abounds regarding the quality of this wine in 1716, but science is still unable to reveal the flavour of Chianti wine 300 years ago.
It is known, however, that it was the feather in Tuscany’s cap in the 18th century: wine was already a traditional product and its quality was renowned, to the extent that it was a strategic product in foreign trade. And with noteworthy admirers: Queen Anne of England liked it so much that she gave it to friends and allies as a gift, thus helping to make Tuscan wine famous around the world.
We know more about today’s Chianti Classico, which leads us to some predictions about the harvest still underway.
The prospects for the 2016 vintage can really be considered excellent, starting with the flawless quality of the grapes that Chianti estates are bringing to the cellars. The grapes are healthy, and thanks to fairly normal weather, they have reached a good level of concentration which leads us to expect well-structured wines.
The profile of the 2016 vintage is that of a regular year without health issues in the vineyards. The only event that attracted attention of winegrowers was a lack of rain towards the end of July, during veraison, but this drought was resolved by rain in late August and early September.
The balance was maintained thanks to constant heat, without excessive peaks in the final month, enabling the grapes to ripen without over ripening or “cooking” of the fruit.
Overall, an excellent summer with little rain and high temperatures in the months of July and August, compensated by good night-time variation, which suggests that we will see wines with good aromas and acidity.
We can therefore announce that the vintage looks to be of a very high standard of quality. A year which, more than others, will enhance the features of the Sangiovese grapes: extract , anthocyans, polyphenols, and unique, concentrated varietal aromas.