Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from Tolaini’s estate in Chianti Classico, Tuscany. Al Passo takes its name from the estate’s circular woodland, loosely translated as “at the passage.” The forest contains an Etruscan tomb more than 2,500 years old and forms the highest point of the Vallenuova vineyard. The silty clay is rich in limestone and contains abundant stones. Planting was completed by spring 2000, at 6,900–7,300 vines per hectare; yield is 60 q/ha. The vineyards are certified organic, and the estate identifies its activity as carbon neutral.
Grapes
The 2022 blend is 34% Sangiovese, 33% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
Fruit is selected first in the vineyard and then with an optical sorter at the winery. The bunches are destemmed, and the intact berries enter temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks immediately. Fermentation proceeds with 20 days of skin contact.
Ageing
Maturation lasts 14 months in French-oak fermenters and French-oak barriques, including 6 months on the fine lees. The wine is bottled without filtration, so natural sediment may form.
Tasting profile
Oak spice rises over clear cherry and berry aromas. Sangiovese supplies the palate’s backbone, Merlot its roundness and Cabernet Sauvignon additional body. The profile emphasizes pure fruit and recognizable varietal character.
Label / history
The name refers to the Al Passo woodland and its ancient Etruscan tomb, linking the wine to a prominent feature of the Vallenuova landscape.
