The 2022 growing season in Chianti Classico saw lower-than-average levels of rainfall up until the month of August. Overall, spring and summer were hot while the months of June and July experienced temperatures that were higher than seasonal averages for the region. Despite these climatic conditions, the vines were able to regulate their growth cycle ensuring normal budbreak and flowering and continued to show remarkable resilience during the hottest months: when the berries reached veraison, both vegetative development and overall yields were ideal. Mid-August brought rain showers and lower temperatures that restored excellent temperature swings between day and night, prompting an ideal ripening phase. Exceptionally favorable climatic conditions during fall ensured that harvested fruit was of outstanding quality. The grape harvest took place mid-September for Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc while Cabernet Sauvignon was picked the first week of October.
During fermentation in truncated conical tanks, each individual must was macerated on the skins giving particular emphasis to preserving aromas, extracting color, and encouraging desirable tannins that were supple and elegant. Racking was performed after rigorous daily sampling and tasting. Once separated from the skins, the wine was transferred into small oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation to accentuate aromatic finesse and complexity. Aging took place in French oak barrels and a small percentage in Hungarian oak, predominantly new barrels, for a total period of just over 13 months; after an initial period of aging the lots separately, they were blended then completed barrel aging. Tignanello, crafted mainly with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, underwent an additional 12-month period of aging in the bottle before being released.


