From the atlas
Tenuta di Capraia
A Chianti Classico estate in Castellina in Chianti, managed by Rocca di Castagnoli, with a regular wine led by Sangiovese and named Riserva and Gran Selezione bottles.
At A Glance
| Field | Detail |
| Region | Tuscany, Italy |
| Area | Castellina in Chianti |
| Appellation | Chianti Classico |
| Ownership | Owned and managed by Rocca di Castagnoli |
| Range | Capraia Chianti Classico, Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva, and Effe 55 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione |
| Vineyard setting | South facing estate vineyards |
| Farming | Organic certification received |
The Producer
Rocca di Castagnoli owns and manages Tenuta di Capraia, a Chianti Classico estate in Castellina in Chianti. The regular Chianti Classico is predominantly Sangiovese, with Ciliegiolo and other red grapes. The other named wines are Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva and Effe 55 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Tenuta di Capraia was an original member of the Consorzio Chianti Classico. A consortium brings producers under a shared appellation name and its production rules. Here, Chianti Classico appears on the regular wine, the Riserva and Effe 55, so every named bottle carries the same appellation at a different range position.
Place
South facing rows receive more sunlight during the day, supporting ripening, while elevation can moderate heat and help preserve acidity in Sangiovese. Tenuta di Capraia's vineyards form a single tract at about 300 metres above sea level in Castellina in Chianti, within Tuscany's Chianti Classico appellation.
The Chianti Classico vineyards occupy various plots at Località Canale. The regular wine comes from a named vineyard area within the appellation, while the single tract keeps exposure consistent across the estate.
Soil And Site
The ground in the Chianti Classico plots is medium textured and rich in clay and Galestro stone. Clay holds moisture, while Galestro stone helps excess water drain. Together they support ripening without leaving the soil waterlogged, allowing the vines to carry acidity into the cellar.
Plantings range from new vines to 35 years old. Younger and mature vines ripen at different rates, so the harvest arrives with material from different stages of vine development.
Story
Rocca di Castagnoli owns and manages Tenuta di Capraia. The estate received organic certification in 2017. The Riserva has a separate vineyard source: Tenuta di Capraia uses grapes from the oldest and best exposed vineyards in the Pietrafitta and Canale areas for an estate cru. The regular Chianti Classico and the Riserva have different vineyard sources within the range.
Vineyards And Cellar
The vineyard area specified for the Chianti Classico is 10.40 hectares. Planting density is 5,000 vines per hectare, with an average yield of 1.2 kilograms per plant. Both spur pruning and cane pruning are used. Harvest runs from the second half of September through the first half of October.
During 10 to 12 days of maceration at about 28°C, grape skins remain with the fermenting wine and release colour and tannin. Malolactic fermentation takes place in steel, where the wine stays in a neutral vessel while malic acidity changes into softer lactic acidity. The regular wine matures in traditional Chianti barrels, then spends further time in steel and bottle. Oak ageing softens the palate, while steel and bottle ageing let the wine settle.
Wines
The range has Capraia Chianti Classico, Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva and Effe 55 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The regular Chianti Classico is predominantly Sangiovese, with Ciliegiolo and other red grapes, and annual production is about 150,000 bottles.
Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva combines Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera. Effe 55 carries the Gran Selezione designation. The regular and Riserva therefore differ in grape composition, while Effe 55 occupies a separate category within Chianti Classico.
In The Glass
Capraia Chianti Classico shows cherry fruit and freshness. Its lively tannins sit within the wine's fruit and body, keeping the palate even.
The Riserva moves gradually from fruit toward spice and licorice. Its palate is meaty and thick, with a long aromatic finish.
A Bottle To Understand It
Choose Capraia Chianti Classico Riserva 2021. The wine spends at least 15 months in traditional Chianti barrels and tonneaux, followed by at least six months in steel and one year in bottle. Tonneaux are larger oak casks, so the Riserva moves through wood, steel and glass over a long cellar period.
Final Word
Tenuta di Capraia's range runs from Chianti Classico to an estate cru Riserva and Effe 55 Gran Selezione. Vineyard source, grape composition and time in oak, steel and bottle are the distinctions between the wines.
Sources
- https://www.mtouton.com/producers/tenuta-di-capraia
- https://www.roccadicastagnoli.com/en/wines/chianti-classico-capraia/
- https://www.roccadicastagnoli.com/en/capraia-selection/
- https://www.roccadicastagnoli.com/en/wines/chianti-classico-riserva-capraia/