Download Complete Production Notes

The spirit and industry of Verrazzano’s owners, Luigi & Silvia Cappellini, have played a major role in the burgeoning reputation of this ancient estate in the Greve district of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico zone. 105 acres of vineyard are planted in Verrazzano’s limestone-rich soil. Though present in southern areas of Chianti Classico, limestone is unique to Verrazzano in the cooler, northern sector, accounting for the singular blend of muscularity and finesse evident in Verrazzano wines.

Crown jewel of the Verrazzano estate, Sassello is a 100% Sangiovese of extremely limited production. Made only in the finest vintages, it originates exclusively in the estate’s La Querciolina vineyard and is named for a songbird that frequents the area around harvest time. This is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress with age.

Production Area
The Greve district in the northern portion of the Chianti Classico DOC, south of Florence in Tuscany.

Grape Varieties
100% estate-grown Sangiovese from Verrazzano’s prized La Querciolina vineyard

Vinification
Grapes for Sassello are harvested by hand generally during the first two weeks of October. The resulting wine is gently pressed after a 15-day maceration and aged 12 months in French oak barrels. After bottling, it is aged at the estate a further 15 months prior to release.

Growing Conditions: 105 acres of vine planted at altitudes ranging from 1,150 to 1,480 feet in Verrazzano’s limestone-rich soil. Though present in warmer, southern areas of Chianti Classico, limestone is unique to Verrazzano in the cooler, northern portion of the district. The soil here is extremely lean and stony (43% lime, 29% clay, 28% sand). Fertilization is entirely organic.

Color
Vibrant purple, shading to garnet with age

Bouquet
Saturated, richly perfumed, heady scent of violets against backdrop of fruit.

Taste
Rich, concentrated and full-bodied, with well-defined tannins and an unforgettable flavor packed with ripe fruit.

Alcohol
13%