SOIL STYLE

The soils on which the vineyards stand has varied and complex terrain features with a strong presence of limestone, feature areas rich in marl and pebbles as well as being partly clayey; they sit at an altitude of between 100 and 300 metres above sea level, with a south/south-west exposure.

WEATHER TRENDS

2105 was a very good year. After an overall mild winter, with temperatures below the seasonal average in January and February and abundant rainfall, the vegetative growth began in the second week of April with the arrival of mild temperatures and sunny days. The rainfall, which continued throughout the first part of spring, favoured a more rapid vegetation of the plants, and also made the soil water reserve adequate. Flowering, which ended at the end of May, was excellent, followed by very good fruit, helped by a truly favourable climate. June and the first half of July were characterised by temperatures above the seasonal average but, from the end of July, they dropped back to normal. This was also thanks to some rainfall, which brought fresh air to the benefit of the vineyards and led to excellent grape production. The good temperature variation between night and day, which occurred throughout the month of August, ensured perfect phenolic ripening of the grapes.

HARVESTING

Harvesting, strictly by hand, began with the Merlot on 1 September and continued until the end of September with the Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes arrived in the cellar healthy, fresh and well pitted.

FERMENTATION

Very gentle pressing and destemming of the grapes. Fermentation in steel vats at a controlled temperature of around 30° - 31° C (without the addition of external yeasts), with maceration of the grapes for around 10-11 days for the Merlot and 11-14 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon. During fermentation, subsequent pumping over and offloading happened. Malolactic fermentation took place in steel vats.

AGEING

Once malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was placed in French oak barriques, and a small part in American oak, where it was aged for a period between the 20 and 25 months. The duration of the ageing is technically decided on the basis of the seasonal trend of the vintage.