Questo vino

Vineyard and terroir

The 2012 fruit came from Central Tuscany, from south-facing vineyards at 250 m above sea level. The vines averaged 10 years of age, were trained to spurred cordon and planted at 6,666 vines per hectare. The technical sheet gives a yield of 30 quintals per hectare, while the wine page reports 15 hl per hectare.

Grapes

Trebbiano and Malvasia, dried before vinification.

Vinification

The fruit remained on the vine for 45 days to dry, with the shoots cut in late September. The introductory account also describes clusters drying in well-ventilated rooms until Valentine’s Day. Roughly one week before pressing, their colours ranged from deep brown to gold and pink. Fermentation proceeded very slowly in 100-litre caratelli. A portion of the preceding year’s passito retained at the bottom of the barrels contributed persistent notes of raisins, fruit cake, spice and oak.

Ageing

At least one year in caratelli, followed by at least six months in bottle.

Technical data

2012 vintage. Toscana Passito IGT. Recommended serving temperature: 8–9 °C; the English wine page alternatively gives 8–10 °C.

Tasting profile

Intense golden colour. The complex, concentrated nose shows well-integrated candied-fruit notes, together with raisins, fruit cake, spice and oak. Acidity and sugar concentration are balanced on the palate, leading to a broad, persistent finish.