About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from vineyards around Siena and Florence in Tuscany.
Grapes
The blend comprises 60% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah and 20% Merlot.
Vinification
Merlot is harvested in late August, while Sangiovese and Syrah are picked in the first weeks of October. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at 26–28 °C for 8–10 days, followed by seven days of post-fermentation skin maceration. Malolactic fermentation is completed before ageing.
Ageing
The wine spends 12 months in oak barrels, using a combination of new oak and barrels in their second and third years of use.
Label / history
Il Ducale was created in the style of Riserva Ducale but differs from it in its blend and geographical origin. In 2012, it received a bronze award at the Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition.
