Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from vineyards at the TorCalvano Gracciano estate in Gracciano, within the municipality of Montepulciano. The vines grow at approximately 350 m above sea level, with a density of 4,000–5,000 plants per hectare. Average production is 7 tonnes of grapes per hectare, and the grape-to-wine yield is approximately 65%.
Grapes
100% Prugnolo Gentile, the local Sangiovese biotype. The Riserva is made only in the most significant vintages and is shaped by extended maturation.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled 28°C, with at least 20 days on the skins.
Ageing
Maturation lasts 24 months: half of the wine ages in 50-hl Slavonian oak barrels and half in 225-litre French oak barriques. Bottle ageing continues for at least 12 months. The current summary describes a minimum overall maturation of three years, including one year in wood before bottle refinement.
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.5%. Bottle format: 750 ml for the 2018 shop release. Ageing potential: up to 30 years. The first vintage was 1997.
Tasting profile
The 2018 has a garnet-red colour and delicate, floral, refined aromas. It is balanced and elegant on the palate, with a persistent, velvety tannic finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C. Pair with pork scamerita and garlic-scented turnip greens.
Vintage notes
The published vintage is 2018. Its profile combines garnet colour, delicate floral aromas, balance and a persistent tannic finish.
Label / history
The wine recalls Francesco Redi’s description of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as the king of wines in his 1685 work Bacco in Toscana.
