About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The wine comes from the Cusona estate, owned by Guicciardini Strozzi, on the banks of the Elsa River, along the route from Paris to Rome.
Grapes
The blend is based on Sangiovese, with small amounts of Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino. These soften the natural tannins of Sangiovese and give the wine a rounder feel.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place at 26–27 °C, followed by 14 days of maceration to develop rich colour and aroma.
Ageing
The wine ages in oak barrels for 8 to 10 months, to reach its final balance and structure. It then matures further in bottle before release.
Tasting profile
Classic, traditional in style. The taste is balanced, with lively fruit and a soft texture.
Label / history
The first historical record of the Cusona estate dates to 994, when it was a property of the Bibbiano family. By the first decades of the 15th century the Bardi family, then owners, were already growing vines there and making wine from Vernaccia. A century later Count Girolamo Guicciardini married a daughter of the Bardi family and gained possession of the estate, which has remained with the Guicciardini family since. The estate's wines are mentioned in Dante's writing and were praised by Michelangelo. Francesco Guicciardini, the Minister of Agriculture, managed the estate for three years from 1906. The Strozzi and Guicciardini families are associated with the Renaissance, through Palazzo Strozzi and documented ties to the Medici family.
