Achelo
Climate
The vintage was characterized by scarce rainfall during the spring and early summer, leading to the formation of small berries with a high ration of skins to juice. Immediately after the rains of mid-August, the vines began to absorb a bit of water; the berries, swelling in dimension, suffered a slight dilution of the sugar accumulated up to that date. During the following weeks, thanks to a mild and sunny climate in the ripening phase, sugar concentration once again increased but not to the normal elevated levels of a hot vintage. These two phenomenon assisted in creating wines which were rich in structuring elements but without excessive levels of alcohol.
Vinification
The Syrah from the vineyard plots utilized for Achelo began to be harvested from mid-September onwards. After the destemming and pressing, the fermentation on the skins commenced, first at low temperatures (50°Fahrenheit – 10° centigrade) in order to extract the typical varietal aromas and then continued at temperatures which never exceeded 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade) in order to maintain the aromas and the integrity of the fruit. After approximately ten days, 70% of the wine went into oak, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation and began the aging process. The remaining 30% aged in stainless steel. The wine was bottled in early 2014.
Historical Data
The La Braccesca estate, whose overall surface extension is over 1250 acres (508 hectares), consists of two different vineyard blocks. The historical nucleus of the property, 255 acres (103 hectares) under vine, is located in the township of Montepulciano, while the other block, with approximately 590 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is situated at the foot of the hills which surround the town of Cortona.
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Achelo reflects the extremely favorable conditions of the vintage for the Syrah grapes. It is a wine with an intense purple color whose nose shows the typical varietal notes of white fruit fused with pepper and tobacco. On the palate it is full and supple, and the flavors once again recall white peaches along with plums and blackberries; these, together with the balanced acidity, tobacco, and spices, accompany the entire flavor flow.
The Wine
Achelo is a full flavored and delicate wine produced entirely with Syrah grapes to honor the historic and cultural importance of Cortona’s territory. The wine’s name was inspired by the Etruscan divinity Achelo, who appears on one of the most important Etruscan artifacts in the museum in Cortona, Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca.
Climate
The vintage was characterized by scarce rainfall during the spring and early summer, leading to the formation of small berries with a high ration of skins to juice. Immediately after the rains of mid-August, the vines began to absorb a bit of water; the berries, swelling in dimension, suffered a slight dilution of the sugar accumulated up to that date. During the following weeks, thanks to a mild and sunny climate in the ripening phase, sugar concentration once again increased but not to the normal elevated levels of a hot vintage. These two phenomenon assisted in creating wines which were rich in structuring elements but without excessive levels of alcohol.
Vinification
The Syrah from the vineyard plots utilized for Achelo began to be harvested from mid-September onwards. After the destemming and pressing, the fermentation on the skins commenced, first at low temperatures (50°Fahrenheit – 10° centigrade) in order to extract the typical varietal aromas and then continued at temperatures which never exceeded 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade) in order to maintain the aromas and the integrity of the fruit. After approximately ten days, 70% of the wine went into oak, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation and began the aging process. The remaining 30% aged in stainless steel. The wine was bottled in early 2014.
Historical Data
The La Braccesca estate, whose overall surface extension is over 1250 acres (508 hectares), consists of two different vineyard blocks. The historical nucleus of the property, 255 acres (103 hectares) under vine, is located in the township of Montepulciano, while the other block, with approximately 590 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is situated at the foot of the hills which surround the town of Cortona.
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Achelo reflects the extremely favorable conditions of the vintage for the Syrah grapes. It is a wine with an intense purple color whose nose shows the typical varietal notes of white fruit fused with pepper and tobacco. On the palate it is full and supple, and the flavors once again recall white peaches along with plums and blackberries; these, together with the balanced acidity, tobacco, and spices, accompany the entire flavor flow.
Tenuta La Braccesca
La Braccesca spreads over 508 hectares where the ancient farm of the Bracci counts once stood, hence the name of the estate and its coat of arms: an arm covered in armour holding a sword. Since 1990 the Marchesi Antinori have owned the estate. The total surface area of the vineyards is 334 hectares divided into two parts: the first, of 232 hectares is located on the border between the municipalities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other body, 102 hectares of which are planted with vines, extends as far as Montepulciano between three of the most renowned sub-zones for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.
Soil
Clay loam
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
