About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The wine comes from Tenuta di Nozzole vineyards in Greve in Chianti, set within Mediterranean scrubland at 280–380 metres above sea level. The soils are loamy-clayey and contain little coarse skeletal material. Vines are trained to a low spur-pruned cordon. The main page gives a planting density of 5,000 vines per hectare; the 2021 sheet gives a broader range of 2,800–5,500 vines per hectare. In 2021, average production was 5.8 tonnes of grapes per hectare and the grape-to-wine yield was 60%.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese.
Vinification
For 2021, vinification involved délestage and rackings in stainless-steel vats at a controlled 28°C for about 15 days. The current general specification describes fermentation in stainless steel with approximately four weeks of maceration.
Ageing
The current general specification gives 20 months divided among large oak casks, barriques and stainless steel before bottle refinement. The 2021 sheet instead specifies 10–12 months in toasted 225-litre French-oak barrels, with 33% rotation, followed by at least three months in bottle.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. First vintage: 1971. Recommended drinking window: up to six years.
Tasting profile
The 2022 vintage is ruby red, with floral and fruit aromas of orange peel, candied orange and Mediterranean spices. The palate is savoury and richly vinous, shaped by firm yet pleasant tannins. The 2021 sheet instead highlights rose, violet and aromatic herbs, together with substantial structure and balance.
Serving and pairing
Pair with Florentine-style steak, preferably made from Chianina beef, and zolfino white beans dressed with extra-virgin olive oil.
Vintage notes
A fairly cool spring in 2021 was followed by a long, hot summer with useful differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Low minimum temperatures in July and August supported regular ripening, while rain in June and September prevented water stress. The resulting wine was described as structured and balanced.
Label / history
First produced in 1971, Nozzole takes its identity from one of the historically established estates of the Chianti Classico area.
