Achelo
Climate
The 2020 growing season started with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall. A relatively dry spring with normal temperatures allowed vegetative growth to begin in favorable conditions. Bud break began the first week in April, consistent with seasonal averages, while flowering took place at the very end of May under generous sun and hot temperatures. Summer brought hot daytime weather, especially during the months of July and August, that caused lower yields but did not adversely affect the quality of the fruit. At harvest time, the grapes were perfectly healthy with good phenolic maturity also thanks to light rainfall halfway through September. Harvesting activities for Achelo began during the last half of September.
Vinification
Grapes were destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where pre-fermentation cold maceration was carried out to enhance fruity notes. Fermentation took place at temperatures that did not exceed 25 °C (77 °F) over a period of approximately 10 days. 70% of the wine was then transferred into second-fill and third-fill French oak barriques, where malolactic fermentation took place. The remaining 30% was transferred into stainless steel vats.
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
Achelo 2020 is an intense ruby-purple color. On the nose, aromas of red and black fruit merge with floral sensations of violets, delicate spicy hints of pepper and vanilla. Its palate is sweet and pleasant with silky tannins. A lengthy finish and pleasant aftertaste highlight fruity notes of currants, plum jam, licorice, and delicate hints of vanilla.
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 2020 growing season started with mild winter weather and very limited rainfall. A relatively dry spring with normal temperatures allowed vegetative growth to begin in favorable conditions. Bud break began the first week in April, consistent with seasonal averages, while flowering took place at the very end of May under generous sun and hot temperatures. Summer brought hot daytime weather, especially during the months of July and August, that caused lower yields but did not adversely affect the quality of the fruit. At harvest time, the grapes were perfectly healthy with good phenolic maturity also thanks to light rainfall halfway through September. Harvesting activities for Achelo began during the last half of September.
Vinification
Grapes were destemmed and gently crushed. The must was transferred into stainless steel tanks where pre-fermentation cold maceration was carried out to enhance fruity notes. Fermentation took place at temperatures that did not exceed 25 °C (77 °F) over a period of approximately 10 days. 70% of the wine was then transferred into second-fill and third-fill French oak barriques, where malolactic fermentation took place. The remaining 30% was transferred into stainless steel vats.
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
Achelo 2020 is an intense ruby-purple color. On the nose, aromas of red and black fruit merge with floral sensations of violets, delicate spicy hints of pepper and vanilla. Its palate is sweet and pleasant with silky tannins. A lengthy finish and pleasant aftertaste highlight fruity notes of currants, plum jam, licorice, and delicate hints of vanilla.
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
