| Grape varieties |
80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo Nero |
| History |
The Santedame estate is perched amidst Tuscany’s splendid rolling hills in the Castellina subregion. One of the estate’s unique treasures is the small 15th century Cappella di Santedame (Chapel of the Madonna) which features a magnificent fresco of the Madonna, the inspiration for Santedame’s elegant label. The estate is also surrounded by one of Europe’s few protected cypress forests. |
| Climate |
Altitude: 1,148–1,542 feet (350–470 m.) a.s.l. |
| Soil composition |
Hilly land with poor soil, characterized by a mix of clay and sand. |
| No. plants per hectare |
1,800–2,225 vines per acre (4,500–5,500 vines per hectare) |
| Yield per hectare |
2 tons per acre (5 tons per hectare). |
| Harvest |
Picking started in early September for the Merlot grapes and ended in mid-October with the other two varieties. |
| Vinification |
Alcoholic fermentation, aided by racking and punching down, took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of approximately 80°F (27°C) for 14 days. Maceration on the skins continued for an additional week. |
| Ageing |
After completing malolactic fermentation, part of the wine was aged in 1,320–2,640 gallon (50–100 hl) oak casks, and then in stainless steel tanks for a total of eight months. |
| Pairing |
Pair Santedame Chianti Classico DOCG with traditional dishes such as roasted chicken with rosemary and portobello mushroom ravioli. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to international dishes such as tandoori chicken and pork buns. |