Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Santa Cristina in Pilli cru lies at 150 m above sea level. Its vineyards have southern and south-eastern exposures and alberese limestone soil. The recorded planting years are 1975, 1991, 1999 and 2001. Density is 3,300 vines per hectare in the older blocks and 5,000 vines per hectare in the newer ones. The vines are trained to Guyot and spurred cordon, and viticulture is certified organic. The older vines supply this Carmignano, while younger-vine fruit is directed to Barco Reale and the estate’s rosé. Average wine yield is 35 hl/ha.
Grapes
75% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 10% Uva Francesca—the traditional local name used for Cabernet—and 5% other approved red varieties.
Vinification
The wine undergoes 15–20 days of temperature-controlled skin maceration, with délestage and pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Maturation lasts one year in wood. Half of the wine ages in French oak tonneaux of 3.5 and 5 hl, and half in 25-hl Slavonian oak casks.
Technical data
Average production is 25,000 bottles per year in 0.75-L format.
Tasting profile
The cru gives structured, vibrant and complex wines with expressive fruit and crisp tannins. Its structure supports long ageing.
