San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino `Vignavecchia`

This wine comes from the most prized plot of the San Polo estate: the two-hectare vineyard Vignavecchia in the Montalcino area. This west facing vineyard is located on a steep hill at 420 meters above sea level. The soil is poor, with a calcareous and sandy limestone composition. The Sangiovese vines were planted between 1988 and 1990 at a density of 4000 vines per hectare. The training system used is Spurred cordon.

After a somewhat mild Winter, Spring arrived earlier than usual with above average temperatures. The vine shoots had the opportunity to develop in a balanced, uniform way. Frequent rainfall allowed water reserves to build up while alternating periods of dry weather meant the growth continued without any problems. Some damp conditions at flowering meant bunches formed which were more sparse than usual with rather small berries. The resulting grapes at harvest time were perfectly ripe and healthy. The feature which makes 2016 particularly memorable however is the excellent temperature range.

Grapes were hand harvested in small 17 kg crates during the first weeks of October. After careful selection of the berries, the grapes were delicately crushed and fermented in 600 litres tonneaux at 28 - 30°C temperature for 28 - 30 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked in lightly toasted 600 litres tonneaux where it aged for 30 months. The wine was then bottled and aged for at least 6 months before release.