Caparsa ‘Doccio A Matteo’

Caparsa ‘Doccio A Matteo’ – This brooding bottling of familial tradition, of terroir-driven authenticity, is a hearth with bellowing yet finely-tuned complexity. Comprised mainly of Sangiovese with a small percentage of Colorino for blending purposes, we have a patiently powerful expression of Chianti Classico. The grapes are manually harvested, with some undergoing a whole-bunch press, prior to fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Neither filtered nor fined, the wine spends 18 to 20 months ageing in cement and old oak vessels. A supremely structured and high-toned Tuscan; billowing black fruits mingling with clove, wet earth and perfume on the nose. Dancing across the palette is macerated cherry, hastily followed by floral components and subtle touches of cinder-block and leather. Fascinatingly, this vintage maintains an astounding vibrancy; there remains unrelenting life in the bottle.

Paolo Cianferoni has been running Azienda Agricola Caparsa since 1982, alongside his partner Gianna. His father bought a small plot of vines in 1965 and gradually expanded until he passed the reigns to Paolo, who started the conversion to organic farming in the 90s. Since then, there has been a promotion of biodiversity across his vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar. Evidently, ‘tradition’ is a paramount factor in Caparsa’s production. Techniques and knowledge have been passed down since the sharecropping system; terroir and its natural ecosystems are carefully treated. A preservation of this local flora, fauna, fungi etc lends itself toward creating wines that are truly representative of the region. Stretching for 14 hectares across Caparsa, located in the Radda region of Chianti, is a staunch and unwavering philosophy.

Caparsa ‘Doccio A Matteo’ – in spite of its power, this is a Chianti with a nuanced freshness. Decidedly round and surprisingly vibrant, we have ourselves a heartfelt winter warmer.