Sabazio Vino rosso di Montepulciano 2014

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.

The Wine

Climate

The fall 2023 season was rainy with higher-than-average temperatures, conditions that delayed late season vineyard management. Winter also saw temperatures that were higher than seasonal averages with the exception of several chilly days. Budbreak began at the end of March and was accompanied by cool spring weather and generous rain showers resulting in a delay in flowering, which took place at the end of May. Summertemperatures started off cool, lasting until mid-June, then intensified guaranteeing hot weather up until the grape harvest.Scattered rainfall at the end of August lowered temperatures prompting a gradual, optimal ripening phase. Timing of the harvest was consistent with seasonal averages and began on September 15th with Merlot and was completed on October 20thwith Sangiovese. Harvested grapes were fully ripe and perfectly healthy.

Vinification

Harvested grapes were brought to the cellar, destemmed, and gently crushed. The must was transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature that did not exceed 25 °C (77 °F) to preserve and intensify the aromatic profile of each grape variety. Sabazio was left to age in stainless steel vats where malolactic fermentation took place and continued to age for approximately 4 months before bottling at the beginning of July 2025.

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

Sabazio 2024 is ruby red in color. The nose opens with aromas of red fruit, especially cherries and sour cherries, that meet floral hints of violets and accentuated by menthol and balsamic notes. The palate is juicy, savory, supple with pleasant tannins. The finish is persistent and closes with notes of strawberries and cherries.

Tenuta La Braccesca

La Braccesca spreads over 508 hectares where the ancient farm of the Bracci counts once stood, hence the name of the estate and its coat of arms: an arm covered in armour holding a sword. Since 1990 the Marchesi Antinori have owned the estate. The total surface area of the vineyards is 334 hectares divided into two parts: the first, of 232 hectares is located on the border between the municipalities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other body, 102 hectares of which are planted with vines, extends as far as Montepulciano between three of the most renowned sub-zones for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.