Sabazio
Climate
The 2017 vintage, characterized by low production but grapes of excellent ripeness, gave wines of fine potential with typical varietal aromas of a notable level. Winter stood out for its temperatures below seasonal averages and scarce rainfall. A frost which struck during the month of April with bud burst already well under way damaged production levels without, however, causing similar damage to potential quality. Light May rainfall preceded a summer season which, on the whole, was dry due to the arrival of warm winds. The picking of the Merlot crop began on May 26th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first few days of October.
Vinification
The 2017 vintage, characterized by low production but grapes of excellent ripeness, gave wines of fine potential with typical varietal aromas of a notable level. Winter stood out for its temperatures below seasonal averages and scarce rainfall. A frost which struck during the month of April with bud burst already well under way damaged production levels without, however, causing similar damage to potential quality. Light May rainfall preceded a summer season which, on the whole, was dry due to the arrival of warm winds. The picking of the Merlot crop began on May 26th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first few days of October.
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
The 2017 Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose offers strikingly fresh notes of both fruit and such flowers as roses and violets. The palate is characterized by much finesse and by a pleasurable freshness which well lances the suppleness of the tannins. The finish is savory with an aftertaste which brings back the aromas first felt on the nose.
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.
Climate
The 2017 vintage, characterized by low production but grapes of excellent ripeness, gave wines of fine potential with typical varietal aromas of a notable level. Winter stood out for its temperatures below seasonal averages and scarce rainfall. A frost which struck during the month of April with bud burst already well under way damaged production levels without, however, causing similar damage to potential quality. Light May rainfall preceded a summer season which, on the whole, was dry due to the arrival of warm winds. The picking of the Merlot crop began on May 26th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first few days of October.
Vinification
The 2017 vintage, characterized by low production but grapes of excellent ripeness, gave wines of fine potential with typical varietal aromas of a notable level. Winter stood out for its temperatures below seasonal averages and scarce rainfall. A frost which struck during the month of April with bud burst already well under way damaged production levels without, however, causing similar damage to potential quality. Light May rainfall preceded a summer season which, on the whole, was dry due to the arrival of warm winds. The picking of the Merlot crop began on May 26th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first few days of October.
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
The 2017 Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose offers strikingly fresh notes of both fruit and such flowers as roses and violets. The palate is characterized by much finesse and by a pleasurable freshness which well lances the suppleness of the tannins. The finish is savory with an aftertaste which brings back the aromas first felt on the nose.
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
Sandy loam rich in very fine gravel.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
