About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
A special selection of the finest Sagrantino grapes from the Monte della Torre vineyard. The vines are trained to spurred cordon at a density of 7,000–8,000 plants per hectare. Harvest takes place during the last ten days of September and the beginning of October.
Grapes
100% Sagrantino.
Vinification
The 2016 edition introduced vinification intégrale under the guidance of Michel Rolland. Whole grapes were vinified directly in barriques, allowing the polyphenolic material to pass gently into the must without mechanical forcing. Near-continuous immersion of the skins during alcoholic fermentation promoted delicate extraction, greater volume and complexity, more precise aromas, better-integrated oak and a silkier finish.
A cold pre-fermentation maceration at 4–8 °C lasted approximately 15 days to extract colour and aroma. Alcoholic fermentation continued for one week, followed by three weeks of warm post-fermentation maceration. A third, extended infusion period followed. Throughout these stages, each barrique was rotated manually on its horizontal axis three times per day to keep the skins immersed. Approximately 70 days after harvest, the barriques were opened manually and the wine was run off by gravity without pumps.
Ageing
The 2016 special edition matured for two years in new barriques and two years in bottle before tasting and release.
Technical data
Impenetrable ruby red. Bottle format: 0.75 L. Ageing potential: 25–30 years.
Tasting profile
The bouquet combines intense dark fruit, dark chocolate and exotic spices. Tertiary notes mingle with chocolate, sweet spices, woody balsamic nuances and incense. The palate is firmly tannic, full-bodied and fresh, with a persistent silky texture, considerable depth of tannin and a long, coherent finish.
Vintage notes
The 2016 growing season was warm overall, although the summer remained relatively mild. Alternating sunshine and rain supported slow, even ripening. September and October brought normal temperatures and short thunderstorms, allowing the grapes to reach optimal maturity. The medium-late harvest produced exceptionally balanced wines.
Label / history
Created to celebrate Arnaldo Caprai’s 50th anniversary in 2021, this special edition follows the commemorative 25 Anni 1993 and 40 Anni 2007 releases. Its label was designed by Paolo Canevari as a reinterpretation of Benozzo Gozzoli’s 1466 altarpiece The Mystic Marriage of Catherine of Alexandria, reduced to its defining outline. The label incorporates pure gold leaf made in collaboration with the Florentine producer Giusto Manetti Battiloro.
