DA VINCI Chianti Riserva 2006 The Da Vinci wines are produced at Cantine Leonardo and are a step up in quality and price on the Leonardo Chianti and Riserva. Winemaker Riccardo Pucci has worked hard with Leonardo.s viticulturists to develop a style of Chianti that builds on the freshness and vibrancy characterising Leonardo. This has resulted in deeper coloured and richer wines, thanks in part to the oak used in the maturation process, which stand out against their peers. The vineyards are situated on hillside slopes in the Chianti zone. The vineyard rows lie perpendicular to the steepest part of the slope where possible and face south to guarantee more sunshine during the day. Soils here were formed by centuries of accumulated silt and clay sandstone with marne, splintered shale, being the primary component. They are deep and permeable and therefore reasonably good at retaining water. 2006 was an outstanding vintage in Tuscany, with perfect autumn weather conditions including long, sunny days and cool nights which allowed tannins to ripen well and encouraged development of the aromatic qualities in the grapes. The grapes were crushed and the must fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at around 28°C. Maceration on the skins took place during fermentation, together with frequent daily pumpovers to encourage good extraction of colour and tannin. Fermentation lasted approximately 12-14 days. The wine aged in new French oak (Allier and Cher) and one year old barrels for a year followed by three months in bottle. Good depth of ruby red with a touch of garnet on the rim, the 2006 Chianti Riserva is intense and developing beautifully, with the smoky oak characters melting into a spicy, cherry fruit palate. Forward and approachable, it nevertheless has good solid structure with rounded tannins supporting the ripe red fruit. Spicy, smoky plum notes on the finish. Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Vinci Winemaker Riccardo Pucci Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13% Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £88.88 (Including VAT at 20%)