The winter of the 2013 vintage, in particular the month of February, was characterized by temperatures which, on the whole, were colder than the preceding years. A spring with frequent rainfall and a summer distinguished by average temperatures and an excellent breeziness favored a low but constant ripening of the grapes. A light but calculated phase of leaf removal 20 days before picking began guaranteed an optimal ripeness in the crop. The harvest, which began slightly later than usual, was carried out from the first days of October on.
A careful and scrupulous choice of the grape bunches through an elimination of the green bunches in successive phases before the actual harvest began, along with Ā a period of generally favorable weather, assured the arrival in the cellars of solely ripe and healthy grapes. The berries, after destemming and a delicate pressing, went into stainless steel tanks where the fermentation subsequently took place. The period of skin contact with the skins lasted approximately three weeks and the wine then left the tanks to go into oak. The slow and balanced evolution of the wine, which began first in 110 gallon (5Hl) barrels and then terminated in 660 gallon (30 Hl) casks, took place over a period of two years. Vignaferrovia was then bottled and began its long period of bottle aging before commercial release.
Vignaferrovia show an intense ruby color. The nose is distinguished by its excellent balance of ripe red fruit in admirable harmony with sensations of black cherries and hints of tobacco. The palate combinesĀ impeccably, pleasurable fruit, balance, and freshness, creating a very lengthy and persistent finish and aftertaste.
Wine Advocate 94/100 USA James Suckling 94/100 USA Wine Spectator 93/100 USA
Vignaferrovia is only produced in the finest vintages from the grapes of a small 4 hectare (10 acre) parcel in the vineyard adjacent to the 19th century railway station on the estate. The soil is principally calcareous clay rich in small stones. The wine is elegant and captivating, characterized by a dense tannic structure complemented by freshness and sweetness. The first vintage of Vignaferrovia to be produced was 2004. It was not produced in 2005, 2008 and 2011.
The Vignaferrovia vineyard takes its name from a characteristic old nineteenth century railway station still located a short distance from the vines.
The Vignaferrovia vineyard grows on rocky, gravelly soils, a condition that naturally limits the grapevineās growth rate and enhances the quality of the berries.
Southwestern vineyard exposure allows sea breezes to mitigate hot summer temperatures and limit heat spikes.
The Antinori family wanted to give their own deeply personal interpretation of the historic wine, Brunello di Montalcino.
The winter and spring seasons of 2018 were characterized by slightly lower than average temperatures and generous precipitation. These climatic conditions provided excellent groundwater reserves in the vineyards and prompted normal budbreak and optimal flowering. Selective leaf removal conducted in June and cluster thinning at the end of July-beginning of August brought optimal vine balance and ensured a perfect ripening phase. Harvesting activities for Pian delle Vigne Vignaferrovia took place between September 25th and 27th, 2018.
This growing seasonās favorable climate trends together with a meticulous selection of grape clusters guaranteed that perfectly whole, healthy, and ripe fruit was brought to the cellar for vinification. The grapes were destemmed, gently crushed then transferred into stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation occurred. Maceration on the skins took place over a period of approximately 3 weeks and was introduced directly into oak for aging. The gradual and well-balanced aging phase began in small barrels of varying capacities, from 5 hl up to 30 hl, and continued for a period of over two years. Pian delle Vigne Vignaferrovia was later bottled on April 7th, 2021 and began a lengthy period of aging in the bottle before being released.
The Pian Delle Vigne estate is located 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Its name comes from the eponymous area where a characteristic nineteenth century railway station is located. The property consists of 460 total acres (184 hectares), 160 of which (65 hectares) are planted to vines with generally a south-western exposure at an altitude of 430 feet (130 meters) above sea level. The estate, since the very beginning, has followed a philosophy based on aging in large casks capable of preserving the exceptional integrity and fruit of the Sangiovese grapes and endow this Brunello with a characteristic vibrant elegance. Pian delle Vigne has belonged to the Antinori family since 1995, the the year of the first Pian delle Vigne vintage. Vignaferrovia is produced only in superior vintages from a small, 10 acre (4 hectare) vineyard plot adjacent to the 19th century railroad station and perched on soils which consist principally of clay and calcareous elements, rich in small stones as well. It was not produced in 2005, 2008 and 2011.
Pian delle Vigne Vignaferrovia 2018 is ruby red with light garnet hues. The nose is engaging and complex: notes of ripe fruit and citrus fruit lead over to aromas of tobacco, cocoa, cloves, and fresh balsamic impressions. The palate is rich, dense and is accompanied by excellent freshness and silky vibrant tannins. The finish is long and persistent, characterized by pleasant hints of jam and bitter cocoa.
The Pian Delle Vigne estate is located 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Its name comes from the eponymous area where a characteristic nineteenth century railway station is located. Pian delle Vigne stretches out over an area of 184 hectares (454 acres) of which 65 hectares (160 acres) are planted with vineyards that grow at an altitude of approximately 130 meters (426 feet) above sea level and enjoy a southwestern exposure. The estateās namesake wine, Pian delle Vigne, represents Marchesi Antinoriās deeply personal interpretation of a prestigious and traditional wine such as Brunello di Montalcino. The Antinori family acquired the estate in 1995, the same year the first Brunello Pian delle Vigne was harvested.
Calcareous clay soil with an abundance of fine gravel and stones.