The 2017 vintage was characterized by a climate which was generally hot and dry. After a cold winter with light rainfall, the spring was marked by mild temperatures which favored a regular bud break and an excellent flowering and bud set of the Aleatico grapes. Above average temperatures for the season and scarce rainfall from June on, a climate which lasted throughout the summer, led to an early ripening of the crop. Picking took place in a series of phases, passing through the vineyard on different occasions to select the finest grapes. The harvest was a precocious one, beginning during the first week of September in order to preserve the characteristic freshness and varietal personality of Aleatico.
Once in the cellar, the grapes, sourced entirely from the Aleatico vineyards selected for the production of “A”, were destemmed and given a soft pressing. The must and its skins were given a cold, four to given hour, maceration to extract the color and the most delicate aromatic substances while preserving as well the characteristic freshness and fragrance of the variety. The must went into small stainless steel tanks where it fermented at a temperature held to 61° Fahrenheit (16°C). In the following phase, “A” remained on its fine lees until bottling.
“A” is a brilliant light pink in color. The nose is delicate, and the typical notes of roses fuse with fragrant sensations of red berry fruit. The palate surprises with its elegance and persistence, marked as well by an excellent freshness, bracing and savory, which is fully balanced by the fruity notes.
Luca Maroni 92/100 IT
“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.
Aleatico, an old and traditional Tuscan grape variety grown since Etruscan times, is able to give a modern expression of itself in this unique territory.
“A” represents in one single letter the combination of the estate’s initials, Fattoria Aldobrandesca, and the grape’s variety, Aleatico.
“A” was crafted following the family’s pursuit for exceptional balance between Aleatico’s pronounced character and the unique qualities of the estate’s volcanic soils.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
Open terrain, volcanic in origin with tufaceous subsoils.