La Forra Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2012
Trade Tools
Italy / Tuscany
La Forra Riserva is produced as a single-vineyard Chianti only in exceptional vintages. Only the finest Sangiovese grapes are selected for this wine, from Nozzole’s 200 acres of vineyards in the Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena. La Forra is among the estate’s finest parcels, with 35-year-old vines on a south-facing slope at 300 meters in elevation. Grapes were manually harvested, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation was on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and maceration on the lees took 15 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged 16 months in French oak barrels, with a minimum of 6 months in bottle.
93 Points
jamessuckling.com
2012 vintage
92 Points
VinousMedia.com
2012 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2012 season began with a rather dry winter. Regarding rainfall distribution, autumn/winter 2011/2012 saw extremely modest precipitation in October and December, and there was practically no rainfall at all in November 2011 and in January 2012. The month of March was almost entirely without rainfall, and the temperatures were mild. There were more significant precipitations in the months of April and May, ensuring that the plants had enough water to draw on. From a temperature point of view, April and May were rather cool. The summer began with above average temperatures for the time of year, continuing the tendency towards dry and torrid weather conditions. The first signs of water stress were already being observed in June in some areas, slowing down the development of the vegetative wall. The onset of ripening of some grapes was first noted in the last days of July. The ripening process then slowed owing to the high temperatures and dryness. The rains didn't come back until the last days of August, and they continued into September. This allowed for a good final ripening of the grapes, and partial replenishment of the water reserves in the soil. So 2012 promises very balanced wines, with excellent ratios of alcohol, acidity and polyphenols that seem to be guaranteeing mellow products, very fruity and with good but not excessive alcohol content.
Tasting Note
Crisp, ripe, red berry and cherry aromas are shaped by vibrant, fresh acidity. In the mouth, flavors show classic Sangiovese notes of earth, mushrooms and leather, with a backbone of firm yet elegant tannins.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
PH: 3.52
ACIDITY: 5.32 g/l
ABV: 14%
Unique Selling Points
- A single-vineyard Chianti Classico produced only in exceptional vintages
- Matured for 16 months in oak barrels for increased complexity
On land that has supported winegrapes for seven centuries, Tenuta di Nozzole produces wines that respect both tradition and innovation.
About the Grape
Sangiovese
Sangiovese has aromas of black cherries with alluring wood, smoke, tar and herbal notes. The best wines made from this grape have incredible complexity, depth, finesse and power.
