A 2016

Climate

The climate of the 2016 vintage was characterized by a cold and rainy winter with temperatures lower than normal seasonal averages. The low temperatures lasted for the entire initial part of spring, slowing bud burst in the vineyard and the start of the vine growth and development of the Aleatico. The spring season, on the whole cool, was followed by a warm and dry summer which contributed to a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes, bring the growing season back into balance. Good weather lasted until mid-September, allowing the Aleatico crop to be picked at excellent levels of health and ripeness.

Vinification

The grapes come from vineyards selected and managed exclusively for the production of “A”. After the hand picking, carried out in successive phases, the grapes which arrived in the cellars were softly pressed. The must then macerated on its skins at low temperatures for a short four to six hour period. This brief phase of skin contact at cold temperatures favored an extraction of color and aromatic substances, but the resulting must remained fresh and fragrant but without astringency. The must then fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures held to a maximum of 61° Fahrenheit (16° centigrade). Once the fermentation was over, the wine aged on its lees until bottling.

Tasting Notes

A tenuous pink in color, the nose offers delicate floral notes of roses which then leave space to the more fragrant aromas of red berry fruit. The palate is elegant, with much savor and crispness, which fuse harmoniously with the fruity sensations and an excellent length and persistence.

The Wine

“A” represents the Antinori family’s challenge to produce a rosé wine of unquestionable quality made with the utmost care and passion that come from their love for this territory rich in charm and history and from a very old and traditional grape variety. The strong identity of Aleatico, an aromatic grape grown on soils of volcanic origin, produces a fascinating wine that is delicate and extraordinarily elegant.

Climate

Mild winter weather marked the beginning of the 2023 growing season; rainfall was limited, and temperatures were higher than seasonal averages. These climatic conditions were warning signs of possible spring frost events, but these potential threats were averted by delaying pruning to the end of March which postponed vegetative growth by 7/10 days. Spring began with cool temperatures and copious rain showers that slowed down budbreak and vine growth. Good groundwater reservoirs and higher temperatures in the month of May prompted optimal flowering and fruit set of Aleatico berries, making up for the initial delay. A hot, typically Mediterranean summer followed ensuring a gradual and progressive ripening phase, producing healthy, aromatic, and perfectly mature grapes. The grape harvest for “A” took place in progressive stages during the second and third week of September.

Vinification

Freshly harvested grapes from Aleatico vineyards, grown exclusively to produce “A”, were destemmed and delicately crushed. The skins were left in contact with the must for cold maceration for a period of about 4 to 6 hours to allow for the extraction of color and the most delicate aromatic components, preserving the grape variety’s characteristic freshness and aromatic profile. The must was transferred into stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). “A” was aged in stainless steel vats until bottling.

Historical Data

Tasting Notes

“A” 2023 is a pale coral rose color. The nose presents typical floral notes of roses accompanied by aromatic hints of white peaches and pink grapefruits together with delicate floral impressions of jasmine, bergamot, and spicy notes of ginger. The fresh, savory, and persistent palate give the wine extraordinary elegance.

Fattoria Aldobrandesca

The Fattoria Aldobrandesca estate is located in the southern part of Tuscan Maremma, in the center of what is known as “the Etruscan Tuff zone”. Maremma is often associated with its coastline, flat lands, pine tree forests, horses and local cowboys called “butteri”. The Fattoria Aldobrandesca estate is in rural Maremma located inland in an area known as the Tuff Area. Ancient civilizations built fascinating medieval fortresses and settlements on steep tuff bluffs that today are open-air museums. Small characteristic towns carved out of tuff stone in this area are Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana. The vineyards rise on the slopes of a spur of tuff where the hilltop town of Sovana is located, surrounded by a beautiful landscape of incredible natural beauty, rich in architectural heritage.