Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyard has tuffaceous clay soil with abundant skeletal material. Vines are trained to a balanced bilateral cordon. Production is restricted through stringent bunch selection: thinning is performed in July, and only approximately two to five bunches per vine are retained for this Brunello. Harvest normally takes place in mid-to-late October, followed by another manual selection in the cellar before fermentation.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese Grosso.
Vinification
Fermentation is deliberately slow and prolonged to obtain substantial colour and tannin extraction. The fermentation and extraction cycle lasts 25–32 days in Slavonian oak vats. The cap formed by the skins is submerged manually approximately five times per day. After racking, the wine is transferred into 3.5 hl casks.
Ageing
The published maturation programme comprises 24 months in 18 hl Slavonian oak, followed by 24 months in tonneaux and another 12 months in bottle. The 3.5 hl tonneaux receive medium toasting on the heads.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. Annual production: 10,000 bottles, made exclusively in the best vintages.
Tasting profile
Clear, intense ruby red with garnet reflections. The deep, enveloping bouquet combines red fruit with tobacco, leather, balsamic notes and pepper. The palate is austere, structured and rich, supported by pronounced acidity and substantial tannins, with a very long finish.
The published assessment of the 2017 vintage by Eric Guido of Vinous describes an attractive bouquet of sweet smoke, autumn spices, dusty dried cherry and pine. The palate is cool-toned yet creamy, with concentrated ripe red and black fruit set against sour-citrus tension. Its long, structured finish retains freshness through persistent acidity.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18°C in a Grand Ballon glass. Pair with succulent dishes, red meats, game or aged cheeses. It can also be served on its own as a meditation wine.
Vintage notes
This limited Brunello is produced only in vintages considered the best. The 2017 was noted for achieving an unexpectedly fine balance in the context of that vintage.
Label / history
The name Seconda Stella a Destra draws on the directions to Never Land in J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan: the second star to the right becomes a symbolic star to follow while tasting the wine. A crystal in the style of Swarovski is attached to the front label as a distinctive visual detail.
