About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The Montepulciano is grown in the Fratelli Barba estate vineyards in the municipality of Pineto, in the Colle Morino area. The slopes face southeast and lie 100 m above sea level. The soils are loamy limestone, which gives the wine its distinctive minerality and structure. The vines are 35 years old on average.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in the second half of October. The best bunches are selected by hand in the vineyard and transported in crates. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in open French oak barrels, which preserves the fruit notes and adds subtle hints of wood. Post-fermentation maceration begins 28–30 days after fermentation. Malolactic fermentation and the subsequent ageing on the fine lees last at least 60 days, giving a softer, rounder, smoother structure.
Ageing
After the lees, the wine is transferred to barriques and aged for 16 months, gaining elegance, balance and depth.
Tasting profile
The bouquet is complex and layered, with black berries, refined spices, cocoa and toasted walnuts. The palate is fresh and balanced, with ripe fruit and chalky tannins. The finish is long, with hints of cherry and delicate balsamic notes. The wine combines the elegance of ageing with the vibrancy of mature Montepulciano.
