Giacomo Mori Chianti Riserva Castelrotto 2021 750ml

In southern Tuscany at an elevation of 400 meters, not far from its border with Umbria, the Mori family has cultivated parcels in this territory dating back to the late seventh century. Around this time Giacomo’s grandfather began to develop wine production on the property, in addition to olive oil, cereals, vinegar, and Chianina beef. Up until the Great Depression, the farm produced estate-bottled wines and fiaschi before transitioning to the sale of demijohn and bulk wine in the rather grim post-WWII era under the guise of Giacomo’s father. In the 1970’s, Giacomo Mori and his brother took the reins, greatly benefitting from the attention and success of nearby Montalcino’s Brunello during the later half of the decade. With finally an increasing focus on quality, estate-bottled wines, Giacomo initiated the reconstruction of the cellar between 1996-2000 and likewise in the vineyards by increasing plant density and trellising Cordone Speronato for lower yields on their eleven vined hectares. Their south/southeast-exposed parcels of clay/limestone/sandy soils have 4000-5000 plants per hectare and produce no more than 1.5 kg per vine, according to Giacomo. Prior to re-districting, the Mori’s made wine under the Montepulciano appellation instead of their current DOC Chianti. The combination of stainless steel/temperature controlled vats for winemaking precision and aging the wines in an ancient grotto is Giacomo Mori’s vision for conveying their terroir most authentically and fluently. He understands that tufo, a light, porous volcanic rock, offers an ideal microclimate for élevage for its naturally cool environment that brings only subtle temperature variations even in summer and winter, and maintains a relative humidity of 85%. These wines are not only the result of an attentive grower and winemaker but of one that has traveled and tasted some of the world’s greatest wines. Giacomo is able to communicate this culture with great ability and it shows in his Chianti’s elegance and character. In organic conversion.