Grape Varieties
80% Sangiovese. 10% Merlot. 5% Syrah. 5% Colorino
Winery
Alberto Antonini bought this estate, next door to his Cerro del Masso vineyard, in 2001 and planted about 50 hectares of vineyard. He set about ensuring they were state-of-the-art, planted with a high density of 6,250 vines per hectare, which gives a low yield per vine, and all the newest and best quality clones. The vineyards are situated on beautiful hills, some of them 'conche' or shell-shaped, which are south and southwest facing. They are planted primarily with Sangiovese, though Alberto is increasing the amount of Merlot in his vineyards as some of the soils have a high percentage of clay.
Winemaker
Alberto Antonini
Viticulture
Plant density is 6,250 vines/hectare and vines are guyot trained. Yields are 9 tonnes per hectare. Soils here are of marine origin and are chalky, with a high presence of white sea shells which reflect the light back to the vine and produce elegant, perfumed wines.
Winemaking & Maturation
2008 was a good vintage for Tuscany with a mild spring with just the right amount of precipitation, followed by a warm summer with a little rainfall at the end. The resulting wines are fragrant, fresh and forward. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28°C for 7 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, where it aged for 10 months.
Tasting Note
Deep red-purple in colour, it has an attractive nose of ripe red fruit with the oak lending spicy depth. On the palate, it has lovely balance between lively, red fruit character and smooth, spicy tannins.
