Grape blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo
Aged: 24 months, partly in large oak casks, partly in barriques, and 8 years in the bottle
Alcohol content: 13.5% vol
Acidity: 5.47 g/l
Residual sugars: 0.15 g/l
When we talk about an exceptional vintage, it obviously begins with exceptional Sangiovese grapes, beautiful, ripe bunches with crisp skins. Vinifying grapes like these is fairly easy, you just have to take care not to ruin them! Very long maceration, delicate, prolonged extraction, 24 months of ageing in wooden barrels and then 4 months in the bottle... which have now become 8 years!
Tasting notes December 2018 – Colour: deep ruby-red, barely transparent due to the intensity and integrity. The nose: initially a hint of toastiness that alternates with sweet red fruit and spicy, slightly peppery notes, concluding with black cherries. In the mouth: tannins are clearly present at this young stage, backed up by considerable body and extract. Pleasantly dry, it remains delicate and silky on the palate.
Tasting notes December 2025 – Colour: still delightfully dark, the original ruby red is enhanced by garnet highlights that become more pronounced at the rim, near the side of the glass. The nose: it commences with notes of autumn undergrowth and dark spices, then opens up with hints of black pepper and oak that are now well integrated. Black cherry returns with elegance and intensity, now slightly dried, adding complexity and maturity. In the mouth: full and enveloping, delicate but with a solid structure. The tannins, still dense, have become silkier, a sign of further ageing in the bottle that has mellowed the angular traits and added harmony.
Wine and Food Pairing – It goes well with succulent, robust dishes (pappardelle with wild boar sauce, splendid steaks of Chianina beef, hare in sweet and sour “dolceforte” sauce), cold cuts and mature cheeses… on its own, it can provide good company on a peaceful evening at home.