Grape blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Aged: fermented in terracotta amphoras and aged in Barriques for 24 months
Alcohol content: 15% vol
Acidity: 5.9 g/l
Residual sugars: 0.7 g/l
The story of a great wine always begins in the vineyard; it comes to life when the combination of grapevines and soil is ideal. And that is exactly what happens for “Casa Quaranta”, in the vineyard of the same name, where the Cabernets give the Viallini considerable gratification every year, even though the quantities of grapes are limited (even in 2021!). Vinification takes place in terracotta amphoras containing 3 and 5 hl, without controlling the temperature and without adding sulphites. The grapes are de-stemmed and just slightly crushed, and every day the “cap” of pomace is immersed in the liquid manually (punching down) to extract tannins, polyphenols and colour pigments. After devatting, the wine ages in – new – barriques for 24 months; it is then bottled without undergoing any filtration and only using Magnum bottles.
Tasting – Colour: intense “hazy” red – it’s unfiltered! – with tinges that go from ruby to garnet and dense legs that descend slowly into the glass. The nose: elegantly spicy and peppery, with aromas of vanilla-scented wood and the typical bell pepper. Notes of blackcurrant and blueberry, with light balsamic nuances. In the mouth: compelling, warm and full-bodied, with an enveloping mouthfeel in its tannic, sweet and alcoholic opulence.
Wine and Food Pairing – It’s a wine that is good on its own, a protagonist, but it’s also worthy of applause when paired with food … for example polenta crostini with “formaggio di fossa”, gnocchi with duck ragu, or a typical “Stufato alla Sangiovannese” (stewed beef with lots of spices and pepper, cooked at length).
Awards – Gold Medal for the 2020 vintage at the Frankfurt International Trophy 2024, Frankfurt, Germany – 92/100 points for the 2020 vintage at the Selection Wine Competition 2024, Mainz, Germany – 90/100 points for the 2020 vintage at Wine Without Walls - Vinitaly, Verona, Italy.