Ampio delle Mortelle
Climate
The 2018 growing season started out with lower-than-average temperatures and repeated rain showers in winter and spring. These climatic conditions recharged groundwater reserves prompting a normal growth cycle and optimal fruit set. Summer weather was hot, but the vineyards were not affected by excessive heat spikes. Selective leaf removal in the month of June and prompt cluster thinning at the beginning of August guaranteed excellent vine balance and allowed the grapes to progress to perfect ripeness. The grape harvest, postponed several days compared to seasonal averages, began the third week of September with Cabernet Franc with flavorful vibrant and spicy sensations, then continued at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon characterized by fragrant notes of dark fruit. The harvest was completed the first week of October with Carménère with berries that gave the wine structure and a characteristic aromatic profile.
Vinification
Ampio delle Mortelle is crafted from the best vineyards on the Le Mortelle estate. Grapes are harvested into small crates and brought to the cellar where they are carefully selected by hand. Using the technique of gravity flow, only the finest berries reach special truncated-cone tanks: a winemaking process that preserves the purity and freshness of the grapes. The tanks’ particular shape and our unique punching-down method guarantee a winemaking process that is delicate yet decisive enhancing the aromas, tannin balance and individual characteristics of each grape variety. The different lots, separated by grape variety, were transferred to new French oak barriques where malolactic fermentation took place and were then aged for approximately 18 months. Ampio delle Mortelle was blended and aged for an additional period of 12 months in the bottle before being released for sale.
Historical Data
The Le Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has always been present in this area. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high-quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir.
Tasting Notes
Ampio delle Mortelle is dark ruby red in color. The nose expresses its captivating character with spicy notes of black pepper and licorice accompanied by pleasant aromas of small dark mixed berries especially currants and blueberries. Its bouquet is completed by delicate hints of aromatic herbs, violet blossoms and subtle sensations of cloves, tobacco, and chocolate. Its enticing palate is elegant with mouth filling tannins. A lengthy finish has depth with light sensations of bitter chocolate and sour black cherries.
The Wine
A blend of the best Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Le Mortelle’s finest vineyards. Ampio started out as an idea and became a reality in an exceptional vintage that reflects and represents the fullest expression of Maremma’s terroir.
Climate
The 2018 growing season started out with lower-than-average temperatures and repeated rain showers in winter and spring. These climatic conditions recharged groundwater reserves prompting a normal growth cycle and optimal fruit set. Summer weather was hot, but the vineyards were not affected by excessive heat spikes. Selective leaf removal in the month of June and prompt cluster thinning at the beginning of August guaranteed excellent vine balance and allowed the grapes to progress to perfect ripeness. The grape harvest, postponed several days compared to seasonal averages, began the third week of September with Cabernet Franc with flavorful vibrant and spicy sensations, then continued at the end of the month with Cabernet Sauvignon characterized by fragrant notes of dark fruit. The harvest was completed the first week of October with Carménère with berries that gave the wine structure and a characteristic aromatic profile.
Vinification
Ampio delle Mortelle is crafted from the best vineyards on the Le Mortelle estate. Grapes are harvested into small crates and brought to the cellar where they are carefully selected by hand. Using the technique of gravity flow, only the finest berries reach special truncated-cone tanks: a winemaking process that preserves the purity and freshness of the grapes. The tanks’ particular shape and our unique punching-down method guarantee a winemaking process that is delicate yet decisive enhancing the aromas, tannin balance and individual characteristics of each grape variety. The different lots, separated by grape variety, were transferred to new French oak barriques where malolactic fermentation took place and were then aged for approximately 18 months. Ampio delle Mortelle was blended and aged for an additional period of 12 months in the bottle before being released for sale.
Historical Data
The Le Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has always been present in this area. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high-quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir.
Tasting Notes
Ampio delle Mortelle is dark ruby red in color. The nose expresses its captivating character with spicy notes of black pepper and licorice accompanied by pleasant aromas of small dark mixed berries especially currants and blueberries. Its bouquet is completed by delicate hints of aromatic herbs, violet blossoms and subtle sensations of cloves, tobacco, and chocolate. Its enticing palate is elegant with mouth filling tannins. A lengthy finish has depth with light sensations of bitter chocolate and sour black cherries.
Fattoria Le Mortelle
The Mortelle estate is in the heart of Maremma in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia set in an extraordinary and fascinating position both for the territory’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has been part of this territory for generations. Evidence of ownership of land in this area is recorded on a property deed dated 1863. It states their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, together with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has dedicated their efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high quality wines. Varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the exceptional qualities of the terroir. The property extends over an area of 270 hectares (667 acres) 170 of which (420 acres) are planted with vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other more recently planted vineyards with white grape varieties such as Vermentino, Ansonica, Viognier and a small parcel of Carménère. The soil is of medium consistency, sandy and loamy composed of clay and silica and in some parts of the estate is rich in rocky deposits.
Soil
Calcareous clay soil with abundant very fine gravel.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
