About this wine
Modus Primo is a Toscana IGT red conceived as a more selective expression of Modus and the Poggio Casciano terroir. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese are drawn from three distinct estate vineyards.
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from selected vineyards at the Poggio Casciano estate in the hills near Florence. The three vineyards lie between 290 and 450 metres above sea level. Their soils contain abundant clay and limestone with a small proportion of silt; the wine page additionally identifies gravel as a component.
Harvesting is organized by small, carefully selected parcels, sometimes separating parcels within the same vineyard, to express the character of the site and each variety.
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2021): 38% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Sangiovese.
Vinification
For the 2021 vintage, Merlot harvesting began in early September. Sangiovese followed in the second half of September, and Cabernet Sauvignon was gathered during the first half of October.
Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats for 10 days. Skin contact continued for 15 days for Sangiovese, 20 days for Merlot and 25 days for Cabernet Sauvignon. Malolactic fermentation preceded maturation.
Ageing
The wine matured for approximately 18 months in new French oak barriques. Barriques from several coopers were used to keep the oak from overwhelming the wine.
Tasting profile
The 2021 has an intense ruby-red colour. Its aromatic profile combines plum and ripe black cherry with sweet vanilla and coconut notes. The palate is soft, rounded, dense and velvety.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20 °C.
Vintage notes
The 2021 growing season brought well-distributed spring rainfall and favourable conditions during harvest. It was the first organically certified vintage.
Label / history
Modus Primo honours the legacy of Modus while presenting a more selective interpretation of Poggio Casciano through three varieties grown in three separate vineyards.