Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes grow in Calliano, in a vineyard overlooking the Monferrato hills at 300 metres above sea level. The soils are clay with veins of sand.
Vinification
Harvest began on 20 September, with the grapes reaching the winery in very healthy, well-balanced condition. After destemming and crushing, the two varieties were macerated separately. Barbera underwent approximately nine days of maceration at 28–30 °C. Syrah was macerated for 10 days in 50-hectolitre oak barrels, at no more than 31 °C. The wines were blended after malolactic fermentation ended in late December.
Ageing
The wine matured for approximately 10 months, with 60% aged in French oak barrels from Allier and 40% in two- and three-year-old barrels. It then rested in bottle for a further six months in Prunotto’s cellars.
Vintage notes
The exceptionally mild winter of 2007 caused vine growth to begin much earlier than usual, for the first time in the region’s history. Summer was generally pleasant, without prolonged periods of intense heat. Dry weather in July raised concerns about drought, but rainfall in August eased them. Differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures, together with constant light winds, helped the grapes reach an ideal balance of sugar, acidity and polyphenols.
