Growing Conditions A textbook example of a great vintage. The entire season presented optimal conditions for the vine, offering outstanding results for both early and later maturing varieties. Winter rainfall supplied sufficient water reserves that benefited the plant over a summer that was hot but not torrid. Over a cool spring the vines developed balance that they maintained into the autumn. Light mid-summer rainfall helped stabilize the plant’s metabolism and develop ideal tannins and phenols, resulting in deeply colored
wines. A balanced variation between day and night temperatures allowed the grapes to develop intense varietal aromas and remain in perfect condition for harvest
Date of Harvest
mid September to mid October Date of Bottling
April 2003
Fermentation
Method:
In temperature-controlled stainlesssteel tanks, traditional maceration with frequent pumping over for maximum extract of flavor Temperature:
27-29 degrees centigrade
Length:
12 - 13 days Malolactic:
Yes, in barriques
Length of barrel aging:
24 months Origin of barrel:
90% French oak barriques 10% Slavonian oak casks (60hl & 120hl)
Technical Characteristics
Brix: 23.5 Alcohol content (%): 13.5
pH: 3.5 Extract (g/lt.): 30.3
Color Intensity: 1060 Method of fining / collage:
Bentonite
ACIDITY (g/lt.)
Total: Malic: Volatile:
5.5 0.01 0.66
SO2 (mg/lt.)
Total: Free:
98 33
Special comment by the wine maker: Third vintage for this wine produced from a single vineyard with Banfi Sangiovese clones in one of the best vintages of the century.
Tasting Comments: Deep and intense red mauve color; complex with fresh and sweet flavors; rich aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberry jam, complemented by scents of chocolate, tobacco, coffee and licorice. On the palate, flavors consistent with these aromas are heightened and lengthened, with a good structure and acidity that will allow long aging. The wine has a long, sweet finish.
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