Sabazio Vino Rosso di Montepulciano 2020

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

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.