Chianti Superiore DOCG 2017

Villa Saletta is special. Established over 500 years ago by the Riccardi, the legendary Florence banking family, it has winemaking roots dating back to 980AD. Meticulously renovated over the past 20 years by Guy Hands (founder of Hand-Picked Hotels and the Terra Firma Private Equity Group), his wife Julia along with Head Winemaker and General Manager David Landini, the estate is committed to supporting biodiversity beyond wine. Much of the landscape is given over to mixed agricultural use, encouraging biodiversity and balance in the environment, which positively impacts viticulture and restores its heritage as a working fattoria, producing Tuscany's finest raw ingredients.

This harmony and balance are reflected in their wines. The winemaking process at Villa Saletta is exacting. Only perfect berries are used, undergoing integral fermentation in small new barrels of Allier French oak and perlè casks that create a 'redox atmosphere'. This technique reduces oxygen exposure, allowing the first drops of wine to develop slowly on the skins, maintaining freshness and aroma while extracting colour and roundness for an elegant and supple soft tannin structure.

Following this, the wine undergoes complete malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels, converting tart or sharp tastes into softer, buttery flavours—a method more associated with the Bordelais and unique to Villa Saletta in Italy. 

Villa Saletta Chianti Superiore DOCG 2017
Region: Tuscany, Pisa, Italy
Grapes: 94% Sangiovese, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot

Grapes and Vineyard:
The vineyard work reflects the estate’s commitment to tradition, with selective leaf removal and crop thinning. Each variety is hand-picked and de-stemmed separately to maintain the purity of the fruit.

Winemaking:
Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures in stainless-steel tanks, followed by two weeks of skin contact for Sangiovese, and 20 days for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Malolactic fermentation occurs in stainless steel and French barriques. The wine is then aged in Slavonian oak casks and second-passage barrels, which contribute to the wine’s structure and enhance its complexity.

Sight:
Ruby red with violet reflections.

Nose:
A vibrant bouquet of red fruits, cherries, violets, and vanilla, complemented by smoky and spicy undertones from the oak aging.

Palate:
The palate offers freshness and balance, with soft tannins and bright acidity. Flavours of ripe cherries and violets are interwoven with hints of vanilla and a delicate smokiness. The wine’s texture is smooth and well-rounded, making it an elegant expression of Sangiovese with depth and persistence.

Food Match:
Ideal with grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.