About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Ampio draws on Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from selected vineyards at Fattoria Le Mortelle, near Castiglione della Pescaia in the Tuscan Maremma. The vineyard soils are predominantly clay and limestone with abundant small stones. The estate has been developed by the Antinori family since 1999; an 1863 property document already identified Poggio Franco and other local parcels among the family holdings.
Grapes
Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Blend proportions vary by vintage.
Vinification
For the 2020 vintage, grapes were collected in small crates and manually sorted at the winery. Only selected berries entered the truncated-conical tanks, which were filled by gravity to preserve the fruit. The tanks and their cap-management system allowed delicate extraction while developing aroma, varietal definition and balanced tannins. Lots were vinified and matured separately by variety.
Malolactic fermentation took place in new French oak barriques.
Ageing
The separate lots matured for approximately 18 months in new French oak barriques. After blending, the wine rested for another 12 months in bottle before release.
Tasting profile
The 2020 is deep ruby red. Licorice spice accompanies blackcurrant and blueberry, followed by aromatic herbs, chocolate and clove. The palate combines depth and elegance with silky tannins. The long, enveloping finish carries subtle licorice, cocoa and sour-cherry notes.
Vintage notes
The mild, rainy winter of 2020 created useful soil-water reserves. A cool start to spring gave way to average temperatures and regular flowering and fruit set; a generally warm, dry summer supported even growth and ripening. Cabernet Franc was harvested from the third week of September, Cabernet Sauvignon one week later, and Carménère in early October.
