Caparsa 'Doccio a Matteo' Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy

From the stony slopes of Radda in Chianti comes the 2019 Caparsa Doccio a Matteo Riserva, a wine that hums with vitality and the pulse of its rugged terroir. Crafted from organically grown Sangiovese with a delicate touch of Colorino, it is both a tribute to Chianti’s ancestral roots and a testament to modern precision. Fermented naturally with wild yeasts and aged in a thoughtful balance of oak and cement, this Riserva captures the essence of Caparsa’s philosophy: purity over polish, soul over show. The result is a wine of remarkable depth and honesty, alive with fruit, earth, and the spirit of Tuscany itself.

Product Details:

• Grapes: 98% Sangiovese, 2% Colorino
• Elevation: 450 meters
• Soil Type: Galestro and Alberese (limestone, sand, and clay)
• Fermentation: Spontaneous, with indigenous yeasts in cement vats
• Maturation: 2 years in cement vats and 10 HL oak barrels
• Filtration: Roughing only
• Alcohol Content: 13.63%
• Dry Extract: 28.2 g/L
• Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
• Free SO₂: 23 mg/L
• Organic Certification: CCPB Bologna
• Total Bottles Produced: 6,666
• Bottling Date: April 22, 2022
• Cellaring Potential: 2045+

Sensory Description:

The 2019 Doccio a Matteo Riserva displays a deep garnet core with purple hues. On the nose, it reveals layers of cherry, plum, and blackberry liqueur intertwined with violet, laurel, and subtle hints of eucalyptus. The palate unfolds gracefully, medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, balanced acidity, and a seamless fusion of wild fruit and spice. Notes of licorice, black cherry, and earth linger through a long, savory finish, underscored by the elegant rusticity that defines Radda’s high-altitude vineyards. This is Sangiovese in its purest and most evocative form, energetic yet poised, with remarkable longevity.

Awards & Accolades:

• Vinous: 95 Points – “Dark, ample, and layered, with remarkable depth and nuance. A truly stellar Chianti Classico Riserva.”
• The Wine Advocate: 94 Points – “A zesty, medium-rich Chianti Classico Riserva with sweet tannins and remarkable balance.”

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1982, Caparsa is a family-run estate led by Paolo Cianferoni and his family in Radda in Chianti, one of the most revered subzones of the Chianti Classico appellation. With organic certification and a deep respect for the land, the Cianferoni family produces wines that honor the region’s ancient traditions while embracing natural balance. Every aspect of production, from the hand-harvested Sangiovese to spontaneous fermentation in cement and careful maturation in oak, reflects their philosophy of purity and patience. Today, Paolo works alongside his children Federico, Filippo, and Fiamma, ensuring Caparsa continues to craft wines that capture the untamed beauty and spirit of Tuscany.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–18°C in a large Bordeaux-style glass to accentuate its aromatic complexity and texture. This Riserva pairs beautifully with bistecca alla fiorentina, rich stews, aged Pecorino Toscano, and rustic charcuterie. Its structure and balance also make it an exceptional choice for long-term cellaring.

2019 Caparsa Doccio a Matteo Riserva is a timeless reflection of Radda’s terroir, earthy, elegant, and alive with character. It embodies the mastery of a family dedicated to crafting wines that are not just expressions of place, but of passion, patience, and tradition.