Achelo
Climate
The winter of the 2018 vintage was characterized by temperatures which were, on the whole, lower than usual and by frequent rainfall. Mild weather from April on, marked by occasional precipitation from May to mid-June, favored a slightly early development of the vegetation. An estate which was generally warm and dry but marked by an excellent swinging between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness assisted in a steady and gradual ripening of the grapes. The 2018 vintage will be remembered for wines of elegance and finesse, certainly not potent but with an important body and balance thanks to positive evolution of the tannins.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must went directly into stainless steel fermentation tanks where a pre-fermentation maceration took place to fully bring out fruity notes. The fermentation, which was carried out at temperatures held to a maximum of 79 °Fahrenheit (25 °Centigrade) lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the Syrah then went into second and third usage French oak barriques where it was put through a complete malolactic fermentation. The remaining part of the wine was aged in stainless steel. Achelo was finally bottled in the early autumn of the year 2019.
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 2018 Achelo offers an intense purple-red color to the eye. On the nose, enveloping notes of red and black berry fruit fuse with the spicy sensations of vanilla and the characteristic scents of black pepper. The palate is sweet and pleasurable; its attractive persistence fully expresses an aftertaste characterized by the aromas of such dark fruit as black currants and blackberry jam together with light hints of vanilla.
Awards
Wine Spectator 92/100 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 winter of the 2018 vintage was characterized by temperatures which were, on the whole, lower than usual and by frequent rainfall. Mild weather from April on, marked by occasional precipitation from May to mid-June, favored a slightly early development of the vegetation. An estate which was generally warm and dry but marked by an excellent swinging between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness assisted in a steady and gradual ripening of the grapes. The 2018 vintage will be remembered for wines of elegance and finesse, certainly not potent but with an important body and balance thanks to positive evolution of the tannins.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must went directly into stainless steel fermentation tanks where a pre-fermentation maceration took place to fully bring out fruity notes. The fermentation, which was carried out at temperatures held to a maximum of 79 °Fahrenheit (25 °Centigrade) lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the Syrah then went into second and third usage French oak barriques where it was put through a complete malolactic fermentation. The remaining part of the wine was aged in stainless steel. Achelo was finally bottled in the early autumn of the year 2019.
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 2018 Achelo offers an intense purple-red color to the eye. On the nose, enveloping notes of red and black berry fruit fuse with the spicy sensations of vanilla and the characteristic scents of black pepper. The palate is sweet and pleasurable; its attractive persistence fully expresses an aftertaste characterized by the aromas of such dark fruit as black currants and blackberry jam together with light hints of vanilla.
Awards
Wine Spectator 92/100 USA
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
