Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Produced only in the finest years from rigorously selected parcels in Vignamaggio’s estate vineyards. The catalogue identifies Prato, Solatìo and Querceto, while the fact sheet identifies Vitigliano, Prato and Querceto. Prato faces west, Solatìo south-west and Querceto west/south-west.
The fruit grows on the left bank of the Greve River, principally over the heterogeneous Sillano formation. These well-draining soils are rich in stones, low in limestone and generally contain less than 30% clay. Pietraforte formations and areas of schistose clay, or galestro, are also present. Yield is 33 hl/ha.
Grapes
95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fact sheet gives broader permitted proportions of 90–95% Sangiovese and 5–10% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the catalogue specifies the exact 95/5 blend.
Vinification
Ripeness is monitored closely before the manual harvest, conducted from late September to early October. Sangiovese is picked first, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are selected both in the vineyard and in the cellar, where an optical sorter is used. After destemming, fruit from each vineyard is placed in a separate stainless-steel tank. Fermentation and skin maceration last approximately 12 days, with délestage and pumping over. After racking, the wine is decanted and undergoes malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Part of the wine matures for 18–20 months in French oak barriques, with the remainder kept in larger barrels. The total minimum maturation is 30 months, including at least six months in bottle.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14–14.5% vol. Production: 15,000 bottles. Formats: 375 ml, 750 ml, 1,500 ml and 3,000 ml.
Tasting profile
Dark purple with ruby flashes. The nose is balanced and intense, combining dark cherry, prune and blackberry with mentholated balsamic notes, tobacco and liquorice. Full-bodied, elegant and austere yet soft, it is structured for long ageing.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C.
Label / history
The wine is dedicated to Mona Lisa, or La Gioconda. Vignamaggio’s Renaissance villa was created by the Gherardini family, with whom Mona Lisa is associated. Similarities between the names Via Maggio—her reputed Florentine birthplace—and Vignamaggio, together with the landscape in Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait, helped create the mistaken belief that she had been born at the estate. That enduring association inspired the dedication.
