Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Sangiovese comes from three plots at 300–420 m above sea level. The vines stand on south- and southwest-facing slopes, in loamy clay soils containing limestone and marl. The Dievole estate lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, about 12 km northeast of Siena, 56 km southeast of Florence and 1 km from the village of Vagliagli. Its more than 400 ha include woodland, vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and traditional Chianti farms. The vineyards cover 150 ha and are divided into 16 individual vineyards, each with its own microclimate.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in early October. Fermentation takes place in 75 hl concrete vats at a controlled 26–28 °C for 14–15 days.
Ageing
The wine ages for 18 months in large, untoasted French oak casks. After bottling it rests at least another 6 months in the winery's cellars.
Vintage notes
The 2019 vintage marks the wine's 30th harvest.
Label / history
"Novecento" means "nine hundred". The wine was first released in 1990 to mark the 900th anniversary of 1090, when Dievole's first vineyard was bought for three loaves of bread, two capons and six silver coins. Its creators see themselves as part of an ongoing historical journey and dedicated the wine to a vision they hope will remain in the hearts of future generations.
Villa Dievole stands at the centre of the estate. Its name is thought to come from "Dio vuole" ("God wills it"). The villa was built in the eleventh century as a residence for a noble Tuscan family, when the Dieulele vineyard was planted in the area. Fifteen generations of owners have made wine here. Mario di Dievole became director of the family company in 1986, at age 21. The first Dievole Chianti Classico was released in 1989. Besides its Chianti wines, the estate makes young white, rosé and red wines and several "Super-Tuscans". Dievole belongs to Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards (also known as Societa Agricola Dievole Spa).
