Ampio delle Mortelle
Climate
The 2019 growing season began with mild winter weather and average rainfall, continued with warmer temperatures at the beginning of spring and was followed by a significant drop in temperatures during the month of May. These climatic conditions delayed bloom and slowed down the vines’ vegetative cycle. Summer weather was hot with a few moderate heat spikes and light rain during the month of August. Selective grapevine defoliation and cluster thinning combined with a later harvest allowed the grapes to ripen slowly under optimal conditions. Harvesting operations began the third week of September with Cabernet Franc, characterized by spicy aromas, continued one week later with Cabernet Sauvignon marked by distinct notes of ripe dark fruit. The last variety to be harvested was Carménère at the beginning of October whose grapes gave structure and complexity to the wine.
Vinification
Ampio delle Mortelle is crafted from the best vineyards on the Le Mortelle estate. Grapes are harvested into small crates and brought to the cellar where they are carefully selected by hand. Using the technique of gravity flow, only the finest berries reach special truncated-cone tanks: a winemaking process that preserves the purity and freshness of the grapes. The tanks’ particular shape and the unique punching-down method guarantee a winemaking process that is delicate yet decisive, enhancing the aromas, well-balanced tannins, and the individual characteristics of each grape variety. The different lots, separated by grape variety, were transferred to new French oak barriques where malolactic fermentation took place and continued to age for approximately 18 months. Ampio delle Mortelle was blended and aged for an additional period of 12 months in the bottle before being released for sale.
Historical Data
The Le Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has always been present in this area. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high-quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir.
Tasting Notes
Ampio delle Mortelle 2019 is a deep ruby red color. The nose opens with impressive aromatic complexity: spicy notes of black pepper and licorice are accompanied by hints of small wild berries especially black currants. The elegant bouquet is completed by delicate undertones of bay leaves, violets and hints of chocolate, graphite, and tobacco. Its palate is seductive with silky, mouth filling tannins. Ampio delle Mortelle expresses great balance and elegance with a lengthy finish that boasts hints of bitter cocoa and blueberries.
The Wine
A blend of the best Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Le Mortelle’s finest vineyards. Ampio started out as an idea and became a reality in an exceptional vintage that reflects and represents the fullest expression of Maremma’s terroir.
Climate
The 2019 growing season began with mild winter weather and average rainfall, continued with warmer temperatures at the beginning of spring and was followed by a significant drop in temperatures during the month of May. These climatic conditions delayed bloom and slowed down the vines’ vegetative cycle. Summer weather was hot with a few moderate heat spikes and light rain during the month of August. Selective grapevine defoliation and cluster thinning combined with a later harvest allowed the grapes to ripen slowly under optimal conditions. Harvesting operations began the third week of September with Cabernet Franc, characterized by spicy aromas, continued one week later with Cabernet Sauvignon marked by distinct notes of ripe dark fruit. The last variety to be harvested was Carménère at the beginning of October whose grapes gave structure and complexity to the wine.
Vinification
Ampio delle Mortelle is crafted from the best vineyards on the Le Mortelle estate. Grapes are harvested into small crates and brought to the cellar where they are carefully selected by hand. Using the technique of gravity flow, only the finest berries reach special truncated-cone tanks: a winemaking process that preserves the purity and freshness of the grapes. The tanks’ particular shape and the unique punching-down method guarantee a winemaking process that is delicate yet decisive, enhancing the aromas, well-balanced tannins, and the individual characteristics of each grape variety. The different lots, separated by grape variety, were transferred to new French oak barriques where malolactic fermentation took place and continued to age for approximately 18 months. Ampio delle Mortelle was blended and aged for an additional period of 12 months in the bottle before being released for sale.
Historical Data
The Le Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has always been present in this area. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high-quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir.
Tasting Notes
Ampio delle Mortelle 2019 is a deep ruby red color. The nose opens with impressive aromatic complexity: spicy notes of black pepper and licorice are accompanied by hints of small wild berries especially black currants. The elegant bouquet is completed by delicate undertones of bay leaves, violets and hints of chocolate, graphite, and tobacco. Its palate is seductive with silky, mouth filling tannins. Ampio delle Mortelle expresses great balance and elegance with a lengthy finish that boasts hints of bitter cocoa and blueberries.
Fattoria Le Mortelle
The Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has been part of this territory for generations. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir. The property extends over an area of 270 hectares (667 acres) 170 of which (420 acres) are planted with vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other more recently planted vineyards with white grape varieties such as Vermentino, Ansonica, Viognier and a small parcel of Carménère. The soil is of medium consistency, sandy and loamy composed of clay and silica and in some parts of the estate is rich in rocky deposits.
Soil
Calcareous clay soil with abundant very fine gravel.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
