This fine Riserva wine is made from the best grapes of eight select vineyards in Castello di Albola, each of which contributes to the end result by delivering a particular note of Sangiovese, made from a single grape variety. The bouquet evokes the strength of the forest and the elegance of the higher rows; with every sip, it translates the warmth of this land into a powerful expression. After resting for almost three years, including fourteen months in oak barrels and another eighteen months in bottle, the ageing process brings out a buoyant personality, with smooth tannins, and a savoury, concentrated taste with hints of black fruit and cut flowers.

2017 climate
2017 was a hot and sometimes dry vintage, with limited rainfall in the summer.
Spring was cool at times, typified by some late frosts in April. Fortunately, the remarkable elevation of the vineyards limited the damage within our estate. In July and August temperatures reached very high peaks. Some wet days, albeit without abundant rainfall, finally arrived at the end of September, in the final period of ripening and close to the harvest, enabling the grapes to achieve complete maturation.
Despite the complexity of the climatic conditions and the relative containment of yields, 2017 can certainly be considered an interesting year, characterized by greater concentration, distinct fruity notes, a good balance between tannins and acidity and above-average structure.

Vinification and ageing
The must is left to settle in vertical tanks for about 3 weeks. Once the malolactic fermentation process is complete, the wine is left to age in wooden barrels. The wine is aged for about 14 months; 40% of the wine rests in Allier oak barrels, and 60% in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. This is followed by 18 months of ageing in bottles.

Tasting notes
colour: ruby red.
bouquet: intense with notes of berries, tobacco and licorice.
flavour: enveloping and elegant, slightly tart with a long, persistent finish.

Food pairings
Excellent with pasta dishes with tomato sauce, red meat, meat roasts, game and medium-aged cheeses.