Fattoria Il Colombaio, Chianti Contessa Ava 2018

Classic Chianti 'in a good way', and great on the table. It offers the nose delicate aromas of sour black cherries, violet, currants and strawberries. Smooth, balanced and full on the palate with black cherry, tobacco and leather shining through.

Serve with meat sauces and meat-based main courses. Also excellent as an aperitif or with fish dishes featuring tomatoes.

About the producer

Fattoria Il Colombaio is a family owned estate that has been passed down through many generations starting in the 19th century. The total production is about 60k bottles annually. 
"Contessa Ava" (Countess Ava), Chianti D.O.C.G. (Controlled and guaranteed designation of origin) 100% Sangiovese, is decidedly innovative, thanks to a particular maceration process [cold soak for 48 hours] that extracts the unmistakable fruity aroma, guaranteeing an extraordinarily smooth taste and volume.
It is an organic practicing estate for many years using no herbicides or pesticides. In 3 years they will be certified organic. 

The vineyards sit at elevations of over 250 meters asl and are on hillsides for better drainage. The vines are trained using the Guyot and spurred cordon techniques, the soils are clay-loam. The grapes are harvested by hand into crates.

Alcoholic fermentation is preceded by a short period of cold maceration at 6°C to extract color and aromas. Spontaneous and wild yeasts are used. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at 25°C, with daily breaking up of the cap and pumping over. The wine is kept in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 12 months before bottling.