Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards occupy the hills of Montalcino at different elevations and receive sunlight until sunset, with an average altitude of 250 m. The production-area description identifies 15–20-year-old vines in southern Montalcino while also describing the fruit as a selection from old and very old vineyards. The tuffaceous clay soil contains abundant skeletal material, and the vines are trained to a balanced bilateral cordon.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese Grosso.
Vinification
Two rounds of bunch thinning are carried out. In good vintages, approximately three bunches out of five are retained. Harvest takes place at the end of September, and the fruit undergoes another selection in the cellar. Vinification begins with intensive extraction during the initial stages of fermentation, followed by a long, undisturbed maceration on the pomace. The maximum temperature reaches 33°C and remains high until racking.
Ageing
The wine matures for 48 months in 17.50 hl Slavonian oak barrels, with a small portion aged in barriques. Bottle ageing lasts 12 months, described as substantially longer than the stated regulatory minimum of six months.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. Production is limited to approximately 3,000 bottles and takes place only in the best vintages.
Tasting profile
Ruby red with warm garnet nuances. The exceptionally rich bouquet opens with macerated flowers and gentle spice before developing woodland notes, rose and cherry; dark cherry, herbs and earthy mushroom nuances also emerge. The palate has a powerful mineral entry, considerable scale, pronounced tannins, freshness and persistence. The 2016 tasting commentary attributed to Eric Guido describes plum sauce, clove and tobacco aromas, a velvety texture and subtle inner sweetness followed by mineral-tinged red berries and balsamic spice, with depth, focus and a long, moderately structured finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18°C in a grand balloon glass. Pair with red meat, game, aged cheeses or highly structured dishes.
Vintage notes
The Riserva is made only in the best vintages. The 2016 is specifically characterized by dark, brooding aromatics, a smooth texture, mineral-inflected fruit, balsamic spice and a long finish.
