Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Melanto comes from two hectares at La Palombara in Gualdo Cattaneo, at 300–350 m above sea level. The heavy clay soil contains lignite. The 15–18-year-old vines are trained to spur-pruned cordon at a density of 3,300 vines per hectare. Yield is 35 q/ha.
Grapes
100% Sagrantino.
Vinification
The best bunches are selected at the end of September, gently harvested and placed on racks to dry for more than 30 days in a room with controlled temperature and humidity. Once the desired sugar concentration is reached, the grapes are destemmed and pressed, then fermented with selected yeasts in dedicated stainless-steel vessels, using punch-downs and pump-overs. When alcohol and residual sugar reach the intended balance, the wine is racked and filtered to stop further fermentation and remove vegetal impurities. Malolactic fermentation is identified as taking place in stainless steel.
Ageing
Twelve months in barriques.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5% vol. Production: 6,688 bottles. Bottle format: 375 ml.
Tasting profile
Very intense ruby red with garnet reflections. The complex, assertive bouquet combines blackberry preserve, dried plums, cinnamon and biscuits, followed by liquorice. The palate is highly persistent, full-bodied, structured, warm and soft. Tannins and structure balance the wine’s sweetness.
Serving and pairing
The technical data specify 18°C, while the tasting recommendation gives 20°C after opening the bottle in advance. Pair with chocolate- or spice-based desserts. A traditional savoury alternative is braised wild boar or roast lamb. The wine can mature for 15–20 years.
Vintage notes
The 2019 winter followed normal seasonal conditions. Abundant spring rain and lower temperatures prolonged the resumption of vegetative growth. A hot, dry summer, including periods hotter than average, allowed the vines to recover their development. Late-summer rain replenished the soil’s water reserves and helped restore balanced fruit maturation.
