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Kevin's comments: Full of ripe fruit and spice complemented by sweeter hints of vanilla through to a rich, full-bodied flavour with supporting tannins.
Chateau Tasting Notes
MARCHESI DE FRESCOBALDI
The Frescobaldi name goes back many centuries into the history of art, culture, trade and finance of Italy in general and Tuscany in particular. The Frescobaldi family has always succeeded in understanding and anticipating change by successfully combining experience with innovation. In the last 700 years grape growing has been a predominant feature in the Frescobaldi family business. Frescobaldi has been a keen player in the development of Tuscan vine-growing and was the first to plant new varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot and to adopt new planting, cultivation and winemaking systems in their properties.
One of the major and largest vine growing business in Europe, Frescobaldi owns nine estates and includes over 1,000 hectares of vineyards, all located in prime areas where the "terroirs" are of the utmost importance. Directly managed by its family members, Frescobaldi produces almost 7 million bottles and the wines are exported to over 60 countries throughout the world.
The Maremma region, south of the town of Grosseto, in the southern extreme of Tuscany, is producing wines of great acclaim.
Frescobaldi has recently purchased the Santa Maria Estate in Maremma. The 55 hectare estate is within the Morellino di Scansano appellation. Here the vineyards are planted at an altitude of 100M above sea level on stony and flint soils that produce wines that reflect Frescobaldi demands of wine individually based upon terroir.
Grapes: 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking: The grapes were hand and mechanically harvested during the first 2 weeks of September and then softly pressed.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 30C and maceration lasted 12 days which included fermentation. The wine went through malolactic fermentation.
The wine saw no wood but was aged in stainless steel tanks for 10 months followed by a further 2 months in bottle prior to release.
Serve: At room temperature with grilled or roast red meats and
stews
Taste: A deep strong purple colour is the first indication that this wine is big and full-bodied. The nose is complex and has rich notes of ripe fruit and blackberries together with spice and herbs. On the palate the wine is, at first, aggressive and has plentiful rich tannins which produce a long and exciting finish.
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