Historical Data

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.

The Wine

Climate

Autumn 2022 brought hot and dry weather providing ideal conditions for managing vineyard soils and pruning. The winter season saw mild temperatures and regular rain showers that guaranteed optimal groundwater reservoirs in vineyard soils. Budbreak began at the beginning of April when conditions were cool and rainy. Temperatures in June rose significantly while the month of August brought scattered rainfall and optimal temperature swings between day and night ushering in a perfect beginning to the ripening phase. The grape harvest for Sabazio began on September 11th with Merlot, which was slightly later than seasonal averages, and was completed on October 7th with Sangiovese. Harvested fruit presented excellent balance.

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 25 °C (77 °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 June 2024.

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 2023 is ruby red in color. The nose offers intense and captivating notes of red fruit, especially strawberries and cherries together with delicate hints of blood oranges and sweet nuances of cocoa. Smooth and pleasant on the palate, silky tannins are sustained by excellent freshness and accompany a fresh, savory finish accented by a balsamic aftertaste.

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.