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

The climatic trend was particularly favourable, with very little rainfall during the summer. Temperatures were very similar to those of 2000 which remained above the seasonal average, thus allowing for a complete and early ripening of the grapes.

HARVESTING

The climatic trend of the 2001 vintage was very favourable, with the weather remaining sunny throughout the harvest, thus favouring perfect ripening and harvest of the grapes which were healthy and rich in colour thanks to the luminous intensity of the coastal area of Bolgheri, along with positive effects on the anthocyanin and tannin production of the grapes.

FERMENTATION

Fermentation took place in steel vats at a controlled temperature, with maceration lasting 15 days for both the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and 14 days for the Sangiovese.

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.