Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Fattoria di Cafaggio has farmed the steep hillsides above Panzano in Conca d'Oro — the natural amphitheatre at the heart of Chianti Classico — since the 12th century, a continuity of site that shapes every decision in the cellar. The estate sits at roughly 400 metres elevation on predominantly galestro (friable schist-limestone) soils interlaced with alberese clay, a combination that stresses the vine roots downward, concentrating flavour while preserving the high natural acidity Sangiovese needs to age. The south-to-southwest aspect maximises ripening heat while cool Apennine nights lock in aromatic tension. For the Riserva, Sangiovese is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with extended maceration to extract structure, then transferred to large Slavonian oak casks (botti grandi) for a minimum of 24 months — a deliberate choice to develop complexity without imposing new-oak vanilla, keeping the wine's iron-and-cherry character legible. What sets this expression apart within the Riserva tier is Cafaggio's insistence on single-estate fruit from the Panzano core rather than blending across the broader DOCG zone. The wine rewards 3–5 years of additional cellaring from release, with tannins that soften progressively while the acidity sustains freshness well into the decade.