Technical sheet
Type: Red
Year: 2019
Format: 0.75LT
Denomination: Bolgheri DOC Superiore
Grapes: 100% Merlot
Alcohol content: 15.5%
Serving temperature: 16/18°C
Aging: Large wooden barrel for 18 months
Pairing: First courses of land, Second courses of land, Game, Mature cheeses
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Producer description
Historical data
San Walfredo was produced for the first time in 2016. In this exceptional year, the Merlot destined for Guado al Tasso, in one of the most suitable areas of the estate for this variety, was of a particular quality so as to impress for the concentration and exuberance of the fruit. It was therefore decided to bottle a small portion in purity, producing 3,370 bottles. The name of the wine, as well as that of the homonymous farm, celebrates San Walfredo, founder of the Della Gherardesca family, ancient owner of the estate

Tasting Notes
San Walfredo has an intense red color. On the nose it is initially almost shy, mysterious, but over time, in the glass, it shows its aromatic complexity and its charm through notes of dark fruit, blond tobacco, graphite, spices and black olive. On the palate it is enveloping, intense, solemn: a vintage with great aging potential.

Winemaking
Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes were selected in two distinct moments: before and after destemming. Fermentation and maceration took place in a stainless steel tank at a controlled temperature for 25 days. After the racking operations, the wine was transferred directly into new French oak barriques where, by the end of the year, malolactic fermentation took place. After approximately 18 months of aging, the best barriques were selected and combined. San Walfredo was bottled in June 2021.

Climate
The seasonal trend of the 2019 vintage recorded a generally cool period between April and May, significantly delaying the vegetative cycle and favoring a delayed flowering of the Merlot by about 10 days compared to the norm. The sudden increase in temperatures that occurred in June, followed by a July without rain and with temperatures above average, partially recovered the vegetative delay, ensuring a production characterized by sparse and light bunches. Some rains during August regulated the temperatures, bringing them back to average values ??and ensuring the completion of the optimal ripening of the grapes. The harvest took place on September 16.