About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards have a southern exposure and are planted on Pliocene-era soils comprising layers of fine sand, sedimentary clay and pebbles. The vines are 10–15 years old on average. Moderate year-round temperatures support ripening, while the nearby lakes of Montepulciano, Chiusi and Trasimeno and the mountains Amiata and Cetona influence the local climate.
Grapes
Sangiovese forms the principal component, supplemented by a small proportion of Canaiolo Nero.
Vinification
Traditional skin maceration lasts 12–15 days. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine matures for 8–10 months in medium-sized Slovenian oak barrels.
Tasting profile
The 2010 vintage has a gently sweet, fruity aroma and a soft, balanced palate with velvety tannins.
Serving and pairing
Pair with first courses, cold starters and red meat dishes.
Label / history
The Gattavecchi family has tended vines and made wine for four generations. The winery was destroyed in a bombing in 1944 and subsequently rebuilt through the efforts of Valentine Gattavecchi. The Simonacci-Baroncelli cellars and vineyards, which had belonged to monks of the Padri Servit monastery as early as the 12th century, were also restored. The estate is now run by Valentine’s children, Luca, Gionata and Daniella, with advice from their mother, Gianna.
