Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Scenario comes from a small north-facing vineyard at 60–80 metres above sea level, immediately above the Villa Donoratico vineyards. Its terrace looks toward Bolgheri and across the Ligurian Sea to the Apuan Alps. Surrounding woodland, altitude and the maritime breeze helped preserve freshness and acidity during the hot 2022 season.
Grapes
100% Vermentino.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested manually. Fermentation takes place at a controlled 16–18°C. Part of the wine ferments in spherical 400-litre Clayver vessels made from compact stoneware resembling natural granite; the remainder ferments in elongated 320-litre steam-bent, untoasted wooden barrels known as Cigares. The Cigar shape increases contact with lees settled along the base, while the spherical ceramic vessels keep the wine moving so the fine lees can contribute gently to structure.
Ageing
The separate lots mature for approximately nine months on their fine lees in the same ceramic and wooden vessels used for fermentation. Bottle ageing lasts 14 months.
Tasting profile
Scenario is a structured white combining intensity with freshness and savoury character. The use of ceramic stoneware and untoasted Cigar barrels is intended to develop distinctive texture and aromatic complexity without toast influence.
Vintage notes
The 2022 season was the hottest in decades. Soil cultivation, fertilization, canopy management and micro-irrigation strengthened the vines’ response to water stress. Mid-August rain totalled 42 mm, helping the estate harvest healthy grapes without shrivelling. The north-facing position, elevation, woodland and sea breeze protected the Vermentino’s freshness and acidity.
Label / history
The project examined Vermentino’s versatility across Argentiera’s soils and its capacity for extended development. Experimental work covered the 2020, 2021 and 2022 vintages before the 2022 wine was presented as Scenario.
