Happinez wine of the month August, 2008

Rosso di Montepulciano, Sabazio 2006
La Braccesca, Marchesi Antinori
Tuscany, Italy

Glass           8
Bottle        38

History
The vineyards of La Braccesca Estate are situated in the Montepulciano DOCG area and enjoy a very favourable exposure and microclimate. The first vintage Vino Rosso di Montepulciano La Braccesca to be released was the 1992 vintage. The wine is named after "Sabazio" (Sabatino Lulli) who was an important personality in medieval viticulture in the Montepulciano area.

Grapes
85% Prugnolo Gentile, 10% Merlot and 5% Canaiolo

Vintage climate
The winter was quite cold, particularly the minimum temperatures, while the mild, well-balanced spring weather allowed good foliage development. This year, like the last three years, this phenological phase was slightly delayed. Fruit setting and flowering took place normally thanks to steady high temperatures. July and August were warm without peaks of heat so the grapes ripened gradually and steadily although they were slightly behind at the time of harvesting. Like 2005 there was plenty of rain enabling the plants to avoid stress due to lack of water in summer. The grapes ripened healthily without damage from the rain in August.

Vinification
After harvest, the grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed. Maceration lasted for about ten days in stainless steel tanks where the alcoholic fermentation then took place. We softly pumped over the must so as extract color during fermentation. By the end of December, the wine had also completed its malolactic fermentation and was introduced into oak barrels of capacities varying between 20 and 50 hl where it aged for a period of 4 months, followed by bottling. Alcohol : 13,5% Vol.

Tasting notes
Ruby red in colour; on the nose, fresh bouquet of mature red berries fruits; on the palate well structured and very pleasing, with smooth tannins.