About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes are grown in the Montalcino production area at 350–500 m above sea level. The vineyards face south-west and have rocky soils. Vines range from 5 to 20 years old, with a density of 5,000 plants per hectare and spurred-cordon training.
Grapes
100% Sangiovese Grosso, the same variety used for Brunello di Montalcino. The wine is selected and designated during the harvest as an earlier-drinking expression of Montalcino.
Vinification
The grapes are picked by hand into crates in mid-September. Fermentation and maceration take place together in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks for 12–14 days at 28–30°C. Pneumatic rakes are used for cap management.
Ageing
The wine matures for 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels with capacities of 30–60 hl and 100 hl, followed by at least two months of bottle refinement.
Technical data
The annual production is 16,000 bottles, in a listed 750 ml format.
Tasting profile
Brilliant ruby red. The nose is fruity, with floral and lightly spicy notes. The palate remains fruit-driven, with harmonious tannins, good balance and a persistent finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C. Pair with substantial pasta dishes, roasted meats and semi-mature cheeses. It may be served on release but can also develop with further cellaring. The technical table indicates a longevity of 10 years, while the introductory text suggests an additional ageing window of 10–15 years.
Vintage notes
The beginning of 2017 brought average temperatures but little rain. Mild weather at the end of March advanced the start of the growing season slightly. Hot, dry conditions dominated spring and summer, reaching particularly high temperatures in July and August. Higher vineyards benefited from cooler, better-ventilated nights. Harvest began roughly 10 days ahead of the recent-years average and delivered a smaller quantity of sound, high-quality grapes.
Label / history
The 2017 technical sheet identifies the presentation as the Golden / Grey label.