Achelo
Climate
The 2015 vintage was characterized by a mild winter with normal precipitation and by a warm spring without, however, peak temperatures. This led to a homogeneous bud burst and a perfect development of vine vegetation. A hot and dry summer assisted the vines in a proper growth of the grape bunches and in a regular process of ripening as well. The picking of the Syrah crop began during the second week of September.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a cold maceration on the grape skins for several days in order to fully bring out the fruity characteristics of the variety. The fermentation was carried out at temperatures held to a maximum of 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade) and lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the wine then went into French oak barrels used once or twice previously, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation, while 30% of the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks. After aging, the wine was bottled in January of 2016.
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
An intense purplish ruby in color, the wine offers spicy aromas of pepper along with notes of white fruit. The palate is sweet and elegant with soft tannins which are well integrated with the fruity and spicy flavors first felt on the nose. The wine shows a long and fragrant finish with elegant hints of liquorices and black pepper.
Awards
James Suckling 92/100 USA Wine Spectator 90/100 USA
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 2015 vintage was characterized by a mild winter with normal precipitation and by a warm spring without, however, peak temperatures. This led to a homogeneous bud burst and a perfect development of vine vegetation. A hot and dry summer assisted the vines in a proper growth of the grape bunches and in a regular process of ripening as well. The picking of the Syrah crop began during the second week of September.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a cold maceration on the grape skins for several days in order to fully bring out the fruity characteristics of the variety. The fermentation was carried out at temperatures held to a maximum of 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade) and lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the wine then went into French oak barrels used once or twice previously, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation, while 30% of the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks. After aging, the wine was bottled in January of 2016.
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
An intense purplish ruby in color, the wine offers spicy aromas of pepper along with notes of white fruit. The palate is sweet and elegant with soft tannins which are well integrated with the fruity and spicy flavors first felt on the nose. The wine shows a long and fragrant finish with elegant hints of liquorices and black pepper.
Awards
James Suckling 92/100 USA Wine Spectator 90/100 USA
Tenuta La Braccesca
The estate’s name comes from the historical farm that once stood there, owned by the Count of Bracci, whose coat of arms appears on the estate’s logo: an arm covered with armor brandishing a sword. Marchesi Antinori acquired the estate in 1990. The property extends over an area of 508 hectares (1255 acres) and the vineyards cover an area of 340 hectares (840 acres) divided into two blocks: the first is 366 hectares (904 acres) of which 237 (585 acres) are planted with vineyards and is located on the border between the cities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other block is 142 hectares (350 acres) of which 103 (254 acres) are planted with vineyards, it extends all the way to Montepulciano encompassing three of the most famous parcels of land known for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.
Soil
Clay loam
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
