Designation: Igt Toscana Rosso
Production zone: Scansano – Tuscan Maremma
Grape variety: Sangiovese e Merlot
Harvesting year: 2020
Alcohol content: 14,5 %
INTERESTING FACTS: This wine originated from the desire to restore the ancient balance between phases of the moon and human work. Each process, from the hand picking to the bottling, is carried out taking into account the moon phases. On the label we pay homage to a little friend of us: the owl Lunaia who, since a couple of years, keeps us company during the work in the cellar.
PRODUCTION AREA: A gentle hill exposed to the Grecale and Maestrale winds.
Vineyard elevation: 270 m a.s.l.
Soil type: sandstone matrix with strong presence of skeleton
THE VINEYARD: Grown organically, with the least use possible of chemicals, the grapes are treated when necessary with limited quantities of copper and sulphur; they are fed with organic substances, earthworm humus and green manure.
Age of the vineyard: about 50 years the Sangiovese, 7 years the Merlot.
Planting density: 4,700 plants/HA
Yield per Ha: 60 QL/HA
Vine training method: capovolto toscano
THE HARVEST: Picking time: second half of September for Sangiovese, third decade of August for Merlot.
Picking method: the grapes are hand-picked very early in the morning, when it is still dark; they are still cool from the night and at the right temperature to be pressed.
WINEMAKING METHOD: The stripped grapes are lightly pressed. A pre-fermentation maceration follows, to enhance the extraction of the aromatic component. Spontaneous fermentation (without the use of selected yeasts) at a controlled temperature for about 15 days. Subsequent post-fermentation maceration for 8 days. During maceration, frequent pumping over and punching down is carried out, in order to increase aroma extraction. A racking follows, with very soft marc pressing to avoid overly aggressive extractions. The wine is then decanted to remove the heavier lees and partly transferred into French oak barrels for about 9 months.
TASTING NOTES:
At sight it is limpid with a bright and intense ruby red colour, with violet reflections.
On the nose it is of great intensity and develops notes of red fruit in spirit, with a just hinted boisé
component.
On the palate it offers important sensations of great strength and balance between tannic components and acidity. The flavour profile is complex and the finish is long and lingering.
PAIRING: An excellent wine for the whole meal, it goes perfectly well with the rich and tasty Maremma cuisine. It can be served with various appetizers (as for example typical cured meat or Tuscan crostini with chicken liver), or with first courses with meat sauce; thanks to its intense and full-bodied flavour, it goes excellently with red meat, especially with roasts and casseroles, but also with grilled meat and stews. It also perfectly matches venison and game, such as wild boar, pheasant and hare; a typical combination is with the tasty pappardelle alla lepre.
TASTING TIPS: Serving temperature: 18° / 20°
Glass shape: balloon with large, rounded goblet. Bouquet and taste will be enhanced