Why it matters
The producer
Rocca di Castagnoli owns and manages Tenuta di Capraia, a Chianti Classico estate in Castellina in Chianti. The regular Chianti Classico is predominantly Sangiovese, with Ciliegiolo and other red grapes. The other named wines are Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva and Effe 55 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Tenuta di Capraia was an original member of the Consorzio Chianti Classico. A consortium brings producers under a shared appellation name and its production rules. Here, Chianti Classico appears on the regular wine, the Riserva and Effe 55, so every named bottle carries the same appellation at a different range position.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
South facing rows receive more sunlight during the day, supporting ripening, while elevation can moderate heat and help preserve acidity in Sangiovese. Tenuta di Capraia's vineyards form a single tract at about 300 metres above sea level in Castellina in Chianti, within Tuscany's Chianti Classico appellation.
The Chianti Classico vineyards occupy various plots at Località Canale. The regular wine comes from a named vineyard area within the appellation, while the single tract keeps exposure consistent across the estate.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The vineyard area specified for the Chianti Classico is 10.40 hectares. Planting density is 5,000 vines per hectare, with an average yield of 1.2 kilograms per plant. Both spur pruning and cane pruning are used. Harvest runs from the second half of September through the first half of October.
During 10 to 12 days of maceration at about 28°C, grape skins remain with the fermenting wine and release colour and tannin. Malolactic fermentation takes place in steel, where the wine stays in a neutral vessel while malic acidity changes into softer lactic acidity. The regular wine matures in traditional Chianti barrels, then spends further time in steel and bottle. Oak ageing softens the palate, while steel and bottle ageing let the wine settle.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range has Capraia Chianti Classico, Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva and Effe 55 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The regular Chianti Classico is predominantly Sangiovese, with Ciliegiolo and other red grapes, and annual production is about 150,000 bottles.
Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva combines Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera. Effe 55 carries the Gran Selezione designation. The regular and Riserva therefore differ in grape composition, while Effe 55 occupies a separate category within Chianti Classico.