Sabazio
Climate
The 2020 growing season started with mild and rainy conditions in winter followed by a relatively dry spring. Bud break began the first week of April for almost all grape varieties while flowering took place during the final ten days of May, in line with seasonal averages. Summer was hot and dry accompanied by optimal temperature swings between day and night, ideal conditions for the grapes to begin the ripening phase and achieve perfectly healthy berries. The grape harvest for Sabazio began on September 16th with Merlot and October 5th for Sangiovese. Wines in this vintage reflect seasonal trends: slightly less structured, more elegant, fruity with sustained freshness.
Vinification
Harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature that did not exceed 28 °C (82 °F) to preserve and intensify the aromatic profile of each grape variety. Sabazio was left to age in stainless steel vats where malolactic fermentation took place and continued to age for approximately 4 months before bottling at the end of spring 2021.
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
Sabazio 2020 is ruby red in color. Its nose offers compelling, fresh notes of red fruits, cherries and raspberries, and pleasant balsamic sensations. On the palate, it’s supple with velvety tannins that accompany a pleasantly sapid and fresh finish. The aftertaste brings back fruity sensations originally perceived 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 2020 growing season started with mild and rainy conditions in winter followed by a relatively dry spring. Bud break began the first week of April for almost all grape varieties while flowering took place during the final ten days of May, in line with seasonal averages. Summer was hot and dry accompanied by optimal temperature swings between day and night, ideal conditions for the grapes to begin the ripening phase and achieve perfectly healthy berries. The grape harvest for Sabazio began on September 16th with Merlot and October 5th for Sangiovese. Wines in this vintage reflect seasonal trends: slightly less structured, more elegant, fruity with sustained freshness.
Vinification
Harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature that did not exceed 28 °C (82 °F) to preserve and intensify the aromatic profile of each grape variety. Sabazio was left to age in stainless steel vats where malolactic fermentation took place and continued to age for approximately 4 months before bottling at the end of spring 2021.
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
Sabazio 2020 is ruby red in color. Its nose offers compelling, fresh notes of red fruits, cherries and raspberries, and pleasant balsamic sensations. On the palate, it’s supple with velvety tannins that accompany a pleasantly sapid and fresh finish. The aftertaste brings back fruity sensations originally perceived on the nose.
Tenuta La Braccesca
The estate’s name comes from the historical farm that once stood there, owned by the Count of Bracci, whose coat of arms appears on the estate’s logo; an arm covered with armor brandishing a sword. Marchesi Antinori acquired the estate in 1990. The property extends over an area of 508 hectares (1255 acres) and the vineyards cover an area of 340 hectares (840 acres) divided into two blocks: the first is 366 hectares (904 acres) of which 237 (585 acres) are planted with vineyards and is located on the border between the cities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other block is 142 hectares (350 acres) of which 103 (254 acres) are planted with vineyards, it extends all the way to Montepulciano encompassing three of the most famous parcels of land known 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
