From the ancient terraces of Gagliole
”GALLULE” CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2018
an expression of cultural, historical, and natural heritage
“Gallule” is produced from Sangiovese grapes from the vineyards located on the ancient terraces of the Antico Podere Gagliole in Castellina in Chianti, where our winery’s more recent history began in 1990. This is a wine of such rare purity, that with the 2018 vintage it has become a “Gran Selezione”, which sits at the top of the Chianti Classico quality denomination pyramid.
Gallule is the Lombard language place name from which our winery derives its name. Its stems from the word Galla, the fruit of the centuries-old oak trees that dominate the wide valley at the foot of the ranging hills around Castellina in Chianti.
The grapes that give life to this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione come from the old rows of Sangiovese vines that lie on terraces-built centuries ago by expert hands. They are planted between olive-trees and immersed in a landscape of cypresses, rosemary, and oak forests, which creates the unique impression of medieval times.
The soils of this corner of the Gagliole paradise located in the south-west of the town of Castellina in Chianti are composed of layers of limestone and clay. These are rich in sedimentary stones and galestro chips, which, thanks to their brittleness allow the roots of the vine to grow in depth and to draw the nutrients, water, and all the elements needed for their development.
This “Gallule” is the result of a long process that begins in the organically managed vineyards and is characterised by the special weather conditions of 2018. After a warmer-than-average winter, plant growth started a little early, then slowed down with the low March temperatures. With a subsequent temperature rise in April, the budding got off to a lively start, resulting in the green pruning taking place early in the spring. The most difficult challenge came with the abundant rainfall in May, which risked destabilising the phytosanitary balance of the grapes – a threat that was contained thanks to targeted treatments of low doses of copper, supported by plant-based biostimulants.
The summer brought the vintage back into balance with warm sunny days, essential for a good development of the bunches and the veraison. September saw a few thunderstorms that led to defoliation and the selection of grapes still on the vines. Therefore, the bunches fully enjoyed the last rays of sunshine of the month, reaching a perfect polyphenolic balance. At the beginning of October, the grapes were finally harvested.
After meticulous selection in the vineyard, a second grape selection was carried out in the cellar. The grapes were vinified in French oak fermentation vats, with their skins remaining in contact with the wine for around 30 days. After 14 months of ageing in French oak barriques (French oak casks) – 30% new – the wine then underwent 4 months of élevage in natural cement vats, which encouraged the natural clarification and completed the ageing process, enhancing the fruit taste typical of Castellina in Chianti.
”Gallule” Gran Selezione 2018 shows a bright ruby red colour. The heady aromas recall notes of cherries, orange peel, graphite, tea leaves, and Mediterranean plants, and the taste blends with sweet, almost creamy tannins, supported by a balanced acidity, which gives the wine depth and leads the final sip towards an explosion of fruit aromas, enticing you to savour the next…
This is “Gallule”, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione of Gagliole, a true Cru, representing not only the Castellina in Chianti terrain but also a priceless cultural and historic heritage. Every taste of “Gallule” conjures up the fascinating landscapes of Chianti Classico, so rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Approximately 3,300 bottles of” Gallule ” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018 were produced.
