CONTACTS
Canonica a Cerreto
Località Canonica a Cerreto
53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena)
VAT: IT00784720526
E-mail: info@canonicacerreto.it
Tel: +39 0577 363 261
The Cellar
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITION
Though it is true that the quality of the wine is born in the vineyard, it is also true that nowadays the benefits of a modern cellar, maximizing hygienic and working conditions, are essential if the wine is to express the soil and vines from which it comes.
THE OLD CELLAR
The first cellar was built one thousand years ago by monks from the Cathedral of Siena. It remained intact through the centuries, a testimony to the continued importance of wine at the Canonica a Cerreto. Very few changes were made by the Bishops who owned and resided at the Canonica (Rectory) for three centuries.
THE NEW CELLAR
In 2003 we decided to build an entirely new cellar in order to provide us with the best conditions for winemaking and aging. Though it is true that the quality of the wine is born in the vineyard, it is also true that nowadays the benefits of a modern cellar, maximizing hygienic and working conditions, are essential if the wine is to express the soil and vines from which it comes.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats, and aging in small oak barrels which are normally used for just three years.
The Vineyards
A PERFECT CLIMATE
Canonica a Cerreto’s 21 hectares of vineyard are located within the township of Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the southernmost end of the Chianti Classico area. The vineyards’ elevation is 350m above sea level on average, with a Southern exposure, on a slope from which the famous Crete Senese (clay hills of Siena) can be seen. From the latter comes warm and dry air, which cools down after sunset, resulting in important temperature differences between day and night, with even greater differences between summer and winter temperatures. The soil is rich in clay and limestone.
AIM TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTION
From 1998 the vineyards were gradually re-planted with an eye to improving quality. 80% is Sangiovese, 10% is Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. The vine density varies from 5,000 to 6,600 plants per hectare. The training system is spur pruning, with some Guyot. The grapes are harvested by hand and at different times to ensure the fruit is at its ripest.