Sabazio
Climate
The 2018 growing season was first characterized by a cool climate with frequent rainfall which lasted until the beginning of the summer season; this period was marked by excellent temperature swings between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness in a climate of above average warmth and dry weather. These highly positive temperature swings guaranteed a gradual and regular ripening of the crop. The picking of the Merlot grapes began on September 19th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first days of October. The 2018 vintage will be remembered in the area of Montepulciano for its elegant wines, ones with much finesse on the whole, a bit less potent but characterized by an excellent balance.
Vinification
The grapes, on their arrival in the cellars, were destemmed and given a soft pressing. The must then went into stainless steel fermentation tanks where it fermented at a temperature held to a limit of 82 °Fahrenheit (28 °Centigrade) to fully bring out the aromatic characteristics of these grape varieties. The wine then reposed in stainless steel for a period of four months before being bottled in late spring of the year 2019.
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 2018 vintage of Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose is striking for fresh, floral notes of violets and roses which well balance the typical aromas of cherries. The palate is fresh and elegant with silky and pleasurable tannins. The finish and aftertaste of Sabazio are tasty, with lingering sensations which recall 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 2018 growing season was first characterized by a cool climate with frequent rainfall which lasted until the beginning of the summer season; this period was marked by excellent temperature swings between daytime heat and evening and nighttime coolness in a climate of above average warmth and dry weather. These highly positive temperature swings guaranteed a gradual and regular ripening of the crop. The picking of the Merlot grapes began on September 19th, while the Sangiovese was harvested during the first days of October. The 2018 vintage will be remembered in the area of Montepulciano for its elegant wines, ones with much finesse on the whole, a bit less potent but characterized by an excellent balance.
Vinification
The grapes, on their arrival in the cellars, were destemmed and given a soft pressing. The must then went into stainless steel fermentation tanks where it fermented at a temperature held to a limit of 82 °Fahrenheit (28 °Centigrade) to fully bring out the aromatic characteristics of these grape varieties. The wine then reposed in stainless steel for a period of four months before being bottled in late spring of the year 2019.
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 2018 vintage of Sabazio shows a ruby red color. The nose is striking for fresh, floral notes of violets and roses which well balance the typical aromas of cherries. The palate is fresh and elegant with silky and pleasurable tannins. The finish and aftertaste of Sabazio are tasty, with lingering sensations which recall 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
