Sangiovese and Merlot
33° C – Maceration period: 18 days for Sangiovese, 16 for Merlot
18 months in barriques – Bottle ageing: 3 months
June 2003
Gambero Rosso 2004 | |
AIS 2004 |
Casalferro is a wine with a modern approach evidencing the Ricasoli Barons’ role as innovators in wine growing. The wine exalts the features of the Sangiovese in combination with Merlot and its long lineage.
PRODUCTION AREA
Gaiole in Chianti
The grapes come from vineyards set 350 – 400 meters above sea level, mainly from the vineyard of the same name with southwest exposure, with a predominance of calcareous sandstone and Alberese stone.
PRODUCTION
135,000 bottles
Further to an unusual mild and rainy winter, the vines began to sprouting up in the early spring. April and May were also very wet and mild with temperatures above the average of the period excepted on the eve of Easter Day – April 23rd – when the temperatures dropped suddenly and the hills surrounding Brolio turned white. Only at the beginning of the Summer when the Brolio vineyards were exposed to the high atmospheric pressure. July was stable with beautiful days while the month of August was hot and droughty. Some rain towards August 21st has damped the vines which had suffered the dry weather and the harvest could start the week immediately after: Chardonnay was picked on August 30th, Merlot on September 12th and Sangiovese as from September 23rd.
Casalferro shows a velvety and voluptuous taste, with well balanced tannins.