The 2018 vintage experienced below average winter temperatures, frequent rain showers and a day of snow in February. These climatic conditions replenished groundwater reserves in the soil, which together with spring’s warm temperatures, favored early bud break and flowering of the Aleatico vine the third week of May. The entire vegetative cycle was accompanied by beautiful summer weather with high temperatures contributing to an excellent fruit set. At the end of August, lower temperatures and some sporadic rain showers slowed down the ripening process. Aleatico was harvested during the third week of September, slightly later than average. Harvesting was done in progressive stages as we repeatedly returned to the vineyards to select only the finest ripest berries that could fully express the character of this grape variety.
Immediately upon arrival in the cellar, grapes harvested exclusively to produce “A” were destemmed and delicately crushed. The skins were left with the must for cold maceration for about 4 to 6 hours allowing for the extraction of color and the most delicate aromatic qualities, preserving the variety’s characteristic freshness and aromatic profile. The must was transferred into small 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” 2018 is bright with a refreshing pale coral rose color On the nose it is remarkable for its intensity, typical floral notes of roses that merge with pleasing aromas of red berries. The palate surprises with its characteristic freshness and persistence, marked by an excellent finish rich in flavors and notes of red berries.
Falstaff 91/100 GER
“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.