Achelo
Climate
The climate of the 2016 vintage, characterized by a mild autumn with little rainfall and a winter with above average temperatures and an absence of precipitation, led to a bud break which was ten to fifteen days earlier than normal season averages. From the end of April on, lower temperatures and abundant rainfall slowed the growth of the buds and re-balanced the growing season; the flowering, in fact, took place only a week earlier than preceding vintages. The month of August, with warm days and cool evenings and nights led to an excellent initial phase of ripening; these positive temperature swings, in fact, assured a proper ripening of the structuring elements and a high level development of the aromatic components of the grapes. The Syrah intended to be use for the production of Achelo was harvested in mid-September.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a pre-fermentation maceration on the grape skins in order to fully bring out the fruitiness which is the typical characteristic of the variety. The fermentation, carried out at temperatures which never exceeded 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade), lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the wine then went into French oak barrels used once or twice previously, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation; the remaining 30% was held in stainless steel tanks. The wine was finally bottled in September 2017.
Historical Data
The La Braccesca estate, whose overall surface extension is over 1250 acres (508 hectares), consists of two different vineyard blocks. The historical nucleus of the property, 255 acres (103 hectares) under vine, is located in the township of Montepulciano, while the other block, with approximately 590 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is situated at the foot of the hills which surround the town of Cortona.
Tasting Notes
The 2016 Achelo shows an intense ruby-purple color. The nose offers notes of spices in excellent balance with aromas of red currants and blackberries. The palate is supple, with soft tannins well integrated with the notes of liquorice and red fruit, and the finish and aftertaste are long and savory.
Awards
Falstaff 91/100 GER
The Wine
Achelo is a full flavored and delicate wine produced entirely with Syrah grapes to honor the historic and cultural importance of Cortona’s territory. The wine’s name was inspired by the Etruscan divinity Achelo, who appears on one of the most important Etruscan artifacts in the museum in Cortona, Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca.
Climate
The climate of the 2016 vintage, characterized by a mild autumn with little rainfall and a winter with above average temperatures and an absence of precipitation, led to a bud break which was ten to fifteen days earlier than normal season averages. From the end of April on, lower temperatures and abundant rainfall slowed the growth of the buds and re-balanced the growing season; the flowering, in fact, took place only a week earlier than preceding vintages. The month of August, with warm days and cool evenings and nights led to an excellent initial phase of ripening; these positive temperature swings, in fact, assured a proper ripening of the structuring elements and a high level development of the aromatic components of the grapes. The Syrah intended to be use for the production of Achelo was harvested in mid-September.
Vinification
After destemming and pressing, the must was given a pre-fermentation maceration on the grape skins in order to fully bring out the fruitiness which is the typical characteristic of the variety. The fermentation, carried out at temperatures which never exceeded 82° Fahrenheit (28° centigrade), lasted approximately ten days. Seventy percent of the wine then went into French oak barrels used once or twice previously, where it went through a complete malolactic fermentation; the remaining 30% was held in stainless steel tanks. The wine was finally bottled in September 2017.
Historical Data
The La Braccesca estate, whose overall surface extension is over 1250 acres (508 hectares), consists of two different vineyard blocks. The historical nucleus of the property, 255 acres (103 hectares) under vine, is located in the township of Montepulciano, while the other block, with approximately 590 acres (237 hectares) of vineyards, is situated at the foot of the hills which surround the town of Cortona.
Tasting Notes
The 2016 Achelo shows an intense ruby-purple color. The nose offers notes of spices in excellent balance with aromas of red currants and blackberries. The palate is supple, with soft tannins well integrated with the notes of liquorice and red fruit, and the finish and aftertaste are long and savory.
Awards
Falstaff 91/100 GER
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
Clay loam
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
