Vigna la Prima Riserva 2008

The estate run by John Matta has an Anglo-Saxon heart but a truly chiantigiano soul. We are at Greve in Chianti, at around 250 metres above sea level: for me, this is the ideal altitude in this zone where the soils are very loosely textured, with little clay and lots of stones. There are fine slopes with southerly exposure, excellent sunlight without any danger of the grapes becoming burnt, and good ventilation. There are 23 hectares producing Chianti Classico. The Vigna la Prima cru represents the heart of the estate: just 9000 bottles are made, from 100% Sangiovese.
The colour is a classic bright ruby, which is deep and has held up well. There is a broad nose with just a hint of spicy notes from the wood (such as cinnamon and cloves) as well as a faint smokiness, all of which act as a backDR0P to the precise fruity vein: morello cherries, peaches and blackberries to begin with, giving way to floral hints (of violets). We also find similarly great intensity on the palate, which is very powerful but not one-dimensional thanks to its good acidity and tannins. There is an excellent progression on the palate, leading into a decidedly substantial and satisfying finish.