About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The Cabernet Franc comes from Solatìo, Orto and Petriolo in Greve in Chianti. Solatìo is south-west facing, while Orto faces east. Solatìo’s infertile, rocky and predominantly clay-rich ground, together with the area’s warm climate and very low yield per plant, produces a full-bodied, concentrated expression with elegant tannins. The documented yield is 35 hl/ha.
Grapes
100% Cabernet Franc from vines more than 40 years old. Cabernet Franc planted in Solatìo during the 1960s was rediscovered in 1990 and became the foundation of this wine.
Vinification
The bunches are harvested entirely by hand during the second half of September and undergo strict selection. After destemming, the grapes remain for 15 days in small 50 hl stainless-steel tanks. Following racking and transfer, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The fact sheet specifies 18–24 months in French oak barriques, followed by at least eight months in bottle. The catalogue gives a narrower 18–20-month period and adds that the French oak barriques comprise both new and used vessels.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14–14.5% vol. Production: 6,000 bottles. Formats: 750 ml, 1,500 ml, 3,000 ml and 6,000 ml.
Tasting profile
Purple with violet shades and ruby highlights. The complex, defined bouquet combines blueberry, ripe redcurrant and raspberry with sage, juniper, eucalyptus and a varietal suggestion of sweet pepper. Fruit and spice return on the elegant palate. Smooth yet taut and composed tannins sculpt the structure, leading to a persistent finish. The overall style is intense, full-bodied and rich.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 18–20°C. Duck à l’orange is a featured pairing.
Label / history
Cabernet Franc di Vignamaggio is the estate’s oldest wine. Its origin lies in Cabernet Franc vines from the 1960s that were rediscovered by chance in Solatìo in 1990.
