Tasting Notes
Climate
The 2015 vintage was characterized by a winter with frequent rainfall which assisted in the accumulation of useful reserves of ground water in the soil. The excellent weather of the spring season, with temperatures above normal seasonal averages, led to a perfect development of the vegetation and an optimal flowering and bud set. The summer, warm and dry on the whole and with peak temperatures during the month of July, guaranteed the growth of the grape bunches without any particular conditions of stress. The month of August, warm as well, was characterized by occasional rain which aided the excellent start to the ripening process. The special exposure of the Ampio vineyards, touched by the breezes of the afternoon wind from the north, along with the highly positive temperature swings from daytime heat to evening and nighttime coolness, assisted the development of spicy aromatic notes, fully bringing out the balance of the Carménère and the elegant structure of the Cabernet. The harvest began during the second half of September for the Cabernet Franc, continued with the Cabernet Sauvignon, and concluded with the Carménère at the end of September
Vinification
Ampio was produced from the grapes of the finest vineyards of the Le Mortelle estate, picked into small packing cases and brought to the cellars for a careful manual selection of the finest bunches. Only selected berries went into the special conical fermentation tanks which were filled by gravity, falling from above. The form of these tanks along with a special system of punching down of the cap of the skins in the tank assure a fermentation process which is delicate but decisive as well, one capable of fully bring out the aromas, the balance of the tannins, and the characteristics of each of the different grape varieties. The various lots, separated by grape variety, went through a complete malolactic fermentation in small French oak barrels and were then given 18 months of aging in barrel before being assembled into the final wine. After bottling, Ampio reposed for an additional twelve months before commercial release.
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
The 2015 Ampio shows a very dark and intense ruby red in color. On the nose, seductive aromas of black pepper and mint fuse with highly pleasurable notes of black berry fruit, blackcurrants and blueberries, together with floral scents. Delicate hints of dark chocolate and liquorice complete the bouquet. The wine, on the palate, is generous, enveloping, and complex with a firm and silky tannic texture and framework. The finish and aftertaste are deep, long, spicy, and elegant.
Awards
Wine Spectator 96/100 USA
Climate
The 2015 vintage was characterized by a winter with frequent rainfall which assisted in the accumulation of useful reserves of ground water in the soil. The excellent weather of the spring season, with temperatures above normal seasonal averages, led to a perfect development of the vegetation and an optimal flowering and bud set. The summer, warm and dry on the whole and with peak temperatures during the month of July, guaranteed the growth of the grape bunches without any particular conditions of stress. The month of August, warm as well, was characterized by occasional rain which aided the excellent start to the ripening process. The special exposure of the Ampio vineyards, touched by the breezes of the afternoon wind from the north, along with the highly positive temperature swings from daytime heat to evening and nighttime coolness, assisted the development of spicy aromatic notes, fully bringing out the balance of the Carménère and the elegant structure of the Cabernet. The harvest began during the second half of September for the Cabernet Franc, continued with the Cabernet Sauvignon, and concluded with the Carménère at the end of September
The History
Back in 1928, Niccolò Antinori decided to christen this wine Villa Antinori, in honor of the family’s eponymous villa; it was a reflection of his own personal interpretation of Chianti Classico’s and Tuscany’s unique identity.
The Style
Villa Antinori was first crafted in 1928 by Marchese Niccolò Antinori, Piero Antinori’s father, as the Antinori family’s signature wine; an exceptional wine that can represent the family’s history, identity and continuity like no other. “Villa Antinori is a full-blooded Tuscan red […] which grapes are grown, mature and are harvested from our Tuscan estates and then fermented and aged in the Antinori family estates.” Piero Antinori.
The design
The label’s design represents our concept of home, our territory and Tuscany. “The French have châteaux, but we have Villas!” Niccolò Antinori cheerfully explained his choice for the illustration on the front label, an innovative design that broke with more traditional packaging conventions of that time.
In Honor of the Monaldeschi della Cervara Family
The wine’s name honors the Monaldeschi della Cervara family who was the historic owner of Castello della Sala in the XVI century.
An old railway station
The Vignaferrovia vineyard takes its name from a characteristic old nineteenth century railway station still located a short distance from the vines.
Grown in an area with Great Potential
Poggio alle Nane comes from a winegrowing area well known for its production of high quality wines, an area in which both Cabernet and Carménère best express their characteristics.
A red amidst whites
At Castello della Sala, an area historically important for white wines, Pinot Nero offers an authentic and typical expression of its variety with a strong territorial character.
An ancient grape variety
Aleatico, an old and traditional Tuscan grape variety grown since Etruscan times, is able to give a modern expression of itself in this unique territory.
Villa del Cigliano
Villa del Cigliano, located in the gently rolling hillsides of San Casciano Val di Pesa, in the province of Florence, has always been a symbol of strong family relationships; the villa has watched over the lives of generations of Antinori family members since 1546, the year Alessandro di Niccolò Antinori became the owner of the property.
The Design
The label was designed by Silvio Coppola in 1974 for the release of Tignanello 1971. The idea to commission this artist was discussed at an event at Castello della Sala in 1973. Silvio Coppola was an important Italian graphic and interior designer who was famous for his minimalist lighting fixtures and austere furniture but also for book cover designs for Italian publishing company Feltrinelli. Silvio Coppola was the perfect match for the job.
The Bolgheri Amphitheater
The Guado al Tasso estate’s most characteristic geographic feature is the Bolgheri Amphitheater, a beautiful plain encircled by rolling hillsides that faces the Tyrrhenian Sea. The shape of the territory creates a unique microclimate with beneficial temperature fluctuations. The estate’s vineyards are located at the foot of the amphitheater, an optimal position as cold nocturnal breezes cool down the vines. These particular climatic conditions give the grapes pronounced aromas and guarantee a perfect ripening of the berries.
The Barrique
Cervaro della Sala was one of the first Italian white wines to have malolactic fermentation and aging take place in barriques.
The Name
Poggio alle Nane’s name comes from the area where its vines grow. Duck breeding farms once existed and the name “Nane” is local dialect for duck. The vineyards extend from the hillside to the lake that are still part of the property.
Rocky soils
The Vignaferrovia vineyard grows on rocky, gravelly soils, a condition that naturally limits the grapevine’s growth rate and enhances the quality of the berries.
Winding vineyards
The 4 hectares (10 acres) of Pinot Nero grow along the hillsides shaping the landscape into a series of sinuous terraced vineyards.
A single letter symbol
“A” represents in one single letter the combination of the estate’s initials, Fattoria Aldobrandesca, and the grape’s variety, Aleatico.
The Signature
Marchese Piero Antinori, the current Honorary President, decided to have his father, Niccolò Antinori, sign the label as a sign of recognition for his father’s confidence in him.
Te Duce Proficio
Guado al Tasso added the Antinori family’s historic family crest on the capsules.
The Concept
The idea behind Cervaro della Sala was to craft a white wine able to age over time.
Sea breezes
Southwestern vineyard exposure allows sea breezes to mitigate hot summer temperatures and limit heat spikes.
Understanding nature
The particularly hot climate of Castello della Sala has forced agronomists to invent new ways to protect the grapes from the hot summer sun. The vines’ shoots are allowed to grow in length and are then folded over the plant so its leaves can shade the Pinot Nero grape clusters.
A Pursuit for Balance
“A” was crafted following the family’s pursuit for exceptional balance between Aleatico’s pronounced character and the unique qualities of the estate’s volcanic soils.
Te Duce Proficio
The historic family crest of the Antinori family
A Tribute to the Della Gherardesca Family
Guado al Tasso designed a label with the Della Gherardesca family crest and the initials DG as a tribute to the former estate owners.
The Enologist
In 1985, Renzo Cotarella, who was chief enologist at Castello della Sala at that time, made the first vintage of Cervaro della Sala.
A personal interpretation
The Antinori family wanted to give their own deeply personal interpretation of the historic wine, Brunello di Montalcino.
The Sun
Tignanello’s stylized “Sun” by Silvio Coppola
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
