Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the San Felice estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena. The medium-textured soils contain abundant stones and are dominated by calcareous marl derived from decomposed alberese and galestro. The vines are trained to Guyot.
Vinification
Harvest takes place in the first week of October. Whole clusters are laid on cane mats to dry until December, then softly pressed in December or January. The concentrated must ferments slowly in small oak caratelli.
Ageing
The wine remains for five years in 225-litre French oak caratelli, followed by a further 12 months in bottle.
Technical data
The 2012 has 16.5% alcohol, total acidity of 6 g/L and 85 g/L residual sugar. It is bottled in 0.375-litre format and can mature for more than 20 years.
Tasting profile
Amber in color, with aromas of toasted almond, honey and delicate spice. Crisp acidity balances the measured sweetness.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18 °C. Pair with dry pastries and petits fours, particularly almond-based sweets, or with sheep’s-milk cheese and mature Gorgonzola.
Vintage notes
The 2012 growing season began with a mild winter and above-average temperatures. A wet spring delayed flowering and slightly reduced crop volume. June and July were comparatively dry; despite a hot August, accumulated soil-water reserves supported ripening. September brought favorable weather, well-timed rain and pronounced temperature variation.
