Achelo
Climate
Winter of 2016 and the initial part of spring 2017 were characterized by above average temperatures and a climate which, on the whole, was a dry one. Bud break began during the first week of April and was followed, a few weeks later, by A damaging frost which reduced the final production without, however, damaging the quality of the harvested grapes. Light rain in May preceded a summer season which was, in general, hot and dry and was accompanied warm winds as well. The harvest began during the last days of August with the picking of the Merlot and then continued from the second week of September on with the Syrah and the other complementary grapes.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a cold maceration on its skins to fully bring out the fruit of the various grape varieties in the blend. 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 60 gallon French oak barrels used either once or twice previously where the malolactic fermentation also took place, while the other 30% was aged in stainless steel tanks. In the final phase, Achelo was bottled during the last months of 2018.
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 2017 Achelo shows an intense ruby/purple in color. On the nose, ample and enveloping notes of red and black berry fruit fuse with spicy sensations of vanilla and varietal hints of black pepper typical of Syrah. The palate is ripe and supple with a pleasurable persistence heightened by an aftertaste of black fruit such as cassis and blackberry jam along with vanilla as well.
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
Winter of 2016 and the initial part of spring 2017 were characterized by above average temperatures and a climate which, on the whole, was a dry one. Bud break began during the first week of April and was followed, a few weeks later, by A damaging frost which reduced the final production without, however, damaging the quality of the harvested grapes. Light rain in May preceded a summer season which was, in general, hot and dry and was accompanied warm winds as well. The harvest began during the last days of August with the picking of the Merlot and then continued from the second week of September on with the Syrah and the other complementary grapes.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a cold maceration on its skins to fully bring out the fruit of the various grape varieties in the blend. 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 60 gallon French oak barrels used either once or twice previously where the malolactic fermentation also took place, while the other 30% was aged in stainless steel tanks. In the final phase, Achelo was bottled during the last months of 2018.
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 2017 Achelo shows an intense ruby/purple in color. On the nose, ample and enveloping notes of red and black berry fruit fuse with spicy sensations of vanilla and varietal hints of black pepper typical of Syrah. The palate is ripe and supple with a pleasurable persistence heightened by an aftertaste of black fruit such as cassis and blackberry jam along with vanilla as well.
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
