Sabazio
Climate
The 2018 growing season was first characterized by a cool climate with frequent rainfall which lasted until the beginning of the summer season; this period was marked by excellent temperature swings between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness in a climate of above average warmth and dry weather. These highly positive temperature swings guaranteed a gradual and regular ripening of the crop. The picking of the Merlot grapes began on September 19th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first days of October. The 2018 vintage will be remembered in the area of Montepulciano for its elegant wines, ones with much finesse on the whole, a bit less potent but characterized by an excellent balance.
Vinification
The grapes, on their arrival in the cellars, were destemmed and given a soft pressing. The must then went into stainless steel fermentation tanks where it fermented at a temperature held to a limit of 82 °Fahrenheit (28 °Centigrade) to fully bring out the aromatic characteristics of these grape varieties. The wine then reposed in stainless steel for a period of four months before being bottled in late spring of the year 2019.
Historical Data
Fattoria La Braccesca extends over a total surface area of over 1,250 acres and is composed of two separate blocks: the historic nucleus is located in the town of Montepulciano with some 255 acres planted to vines in the finest sub-zones of the appellation. The other block, with 580 acres of grapes, is situated at the foothills of the town of Cortona. The name of the wine was inspired by Sabatino Lulli, known as Sabazio, a monk of the abbey of Montepulciano, who, for first, in medieval times, offered indications for the production of wine at Montepulciano. The first production of this wine in the zone dates from the 1992 vintage.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage of Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose is striking for fresh, floral notes of violets and roses which well balance the typical aromas of cherries. The palate is fresh and elegant with silky and pleasurable tannins. The finish and aftertaste of Sabazio are tasty, with lingering sensations which recall the aromas first felt on the nose.
The Wine
Sabazio Vino Rosso di Montepulciano has the freshness associated with the traditional Sangiovese variety together with vibrant aromas characteristic of Merlot in a unique expression of the centuries-old Montepulciano territory. The wine takes its name from Sabatino Lulli, known as “Sabazio”, a monk from the Montepulciano Abbey who was the first to give indications on how to produce wine from the local varieties.
Climate
The 2018 growing season was first characterized by a cool climate with frequent rainfall which lasted until the beginning of the summer season; this period was marked by excellent temperature swings between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness in a climate of above average warmth and dry weather. These highly positive temperature swings guaranteed a gradual and regular ripening of the crop. The picking of the Merlot grapes began on September 19th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first days of October. The 2018 vintage will be remembered in the area of Montepulciano for its elegant wines, ones with much finesse on the whole, a bit less potent but characterized by an excellent balance.
Vinification
The grapes, on their arrival in the cellars, were destemmed and given a soft pressing. The must then went into stainless steel fermentation tanks where it fermented at a temperature held to a limit of 82 °Fahrenheit (28 °Centigrade) to fully bring out the aromatic characteristics of these grape varieties. The wine then reposed in stainless steel for a period of four months before being bottled in late spring of the year 2019.
Historical Data
Fattoria La Braccesca extends over a total surface area of over 1,250 acres and is composed of two separate blocks: the historic nucleus is located in the town of Montepulciano with some 255 acres planted to vines in the finest sub-zones of the appellation. The other block, with 580 acres of grapes, is situated at the foothills of the town of Cortona. The name of the wine was inspired by Sabatino Lulli, known as Sabazio, a monk of the abbey of Montepulciano, who, for first, in medieval times, offered indications for the production of wine at Montepulciano. The first production of this wine in the zone dates from the 1992 vintage.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage of Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose is striking for fresh, floral notes of violets and roses which well balance the typical aromas of cherries. The palate is fresh and elegant with silky and pleasurable tannins. The finish and aftertaste of Sabazio are tasty, with lingering sensations which recall the aromas first felt on the nose.
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
Sandy loam rich in very fine gravel.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
