Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Vigneto Asinone covers 12 ha on the south- to south-west-facing slope of the road descending from Montepulciano toward Torrita di Siena. Its altitude is given as 350–400 m in the technical sheet and 380–400 m on the wine page. The vineyard comprises 5.5 ha planted in 1963, 5 ha planted during the 1990s and 1.5 ha planted in 2017. Planting density is 3,300 vines per hectare in the old section and 5,200 in the newer plantings.
The soils are clay-rich to silty-clay, with stones; magnesium and potassium are particularly concentrated. The old vines produce small clusters with small, thick-skinned Prugnolo Gentile berries, contributing depth, structure and fullness. The particular microclimate and clay soils give the wine muscular character balanced by elegance.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. The best vintages are 100% Sangiovese; in other vintages, approximately 10% Colorino and Canaiolo may be included.
Vinification
The grapes are picked manually into crates at peak phenolic ripeness. A second manual selection in the cellar retains only the best bunches. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel vats at controlled temperature for 20–25 days.
Ageing
The wine matures for 16–18 months in French oak tonneaux.
Technical data
Average production is approximately 25,000 bottles. Cellaring potential exceeds 20 years.
Tasting profile
Small, thick-skinned berries support a full, structured profile. The wine combines muscular character with depth, complexity and considerable elegance on the palate, while precise harvesting at phenolic maturity preserves its aromatic expression.
Label / history
First produced in 1983 as a Riserva, Asinone followed years of experimentation aimed at identifying the estate vineyard with the greatest qualitative potential. Its name comes from the vineyard’s donkey-back shape: the place was already identified as “Asinone” on old local maps.
