Production
The grapes are sourced from the San Felice estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga - approximately a third each of Pugnitello, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignin, with a small portion of Petit Verdot (5%). These vines are cultivated in medium-textured chalky soils with some gravel and pebbles. The Merlot grapes are first to be harvested, typicaly in the first half of September, followed by the other three varieties at the start of October. Fermentation is for 20-25 days on the skins at 30°C, followed by malolactic fermentation and 24 months' maturation in 225L French oak barriques. The wine spends a further 8 months in bottle before release.
Tasting notes
Aromas of forest fruits, blackcurrant and sweet spice. The palate is well-structured, complex and generous with ripe black fruits, tobacco, toasty oak, notes of vanilla, and firm tannins
Food match
A good match for grilled meats, roast lamb, game and mature cheeses.
