Grape blend: Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Aleatico, Colorino, Sangiovese
Aged: 24 months in Barriques and 6 months in oak casks
Alcohol content: 15% vol
Acidity: 5.1 g/l
Residual sugars: 5.1 g/l
The grapes used to make this wine – 5 typical Chianti varieties – are grown in the vineyards around La Casotta farmstead. The Sangiovese, Pugnitello and Aleatico grapes are left to dry out and then, in December, fermented in the wine made using traditional methods with the Colorino and Malvasia grapes. After being “assembled” the blend remains in barrique barrels for 2 years, followed by 6 months in large wooden casks and then a long period of ageing in the bottle. The hot weather in 2017 made the wine even more sumptuous and opulent.
Tasting – Colour: deep ruby red flowing around the side of the glass into a lustrous purple/violet. Impenetrably dense in colour, it moves slowly, premonitory to a wealth of flavour. The nose: initially compact, it opens powerfully with fruity aromas of dark, sweet black cherry and blackberry jam, with an undertone of cassis and hints of spices, cinnamon and vanilla; then tobacco, chocolate, roasted coffee, herbs, with a conclusion of fresh mint. Energetic complexity. In the mouth: it glides in with an almost sweet, conspicuous softness, associated to the alcoholic intensity which recalls cherries. The smooth tannins acquire importance when timely sapidity highlights them… the finish leaves us at length in a pleasantly warm embrace.
Wine and Food Pairing – Full-bodied and robust, it goes well with slow-cooked – braised, roasted, stewed – meats. Excellent with first courses such as “risotto alla Milanese” or Pappardelle with wild boar sauce. You can also enjoy it on its own, on winter evenings in front of a blazing fireplace.