Wine of great pedigree produced in extremely limited quantity and endowed with all the characteristics that reward extensive cellaring. The grapes for this wine come from the 1.33 hectare (3.20 acres) Poggio Sant’Enrico Piccolo and the 3.65 hectare (8.76 acres) Poggio Sant’Enrico Grande vineyards. These are situated between 300 and 350 meters (~1,000ft) in elevation just outside the town of Montepulciano (Siena).
Southern exposure on rolling hillsides.
Poggio Sant’Enrico Piccolo planted in 1978, Poggio Sant’Enrico Grande planted in 1995 at a density of 2.80x0.80 meters (~9x3 ft), equivalent to 4,464 vines/ha (1,860/ac).
Trained to a bilateral cordon with vertical shoot positioning.
100% Sangiovese, Clone SS-F9-A 5-48 on 420A rootstock.
Deep, sedimentary, with sandy clay and limestone.
Continental winter with abundant snow, strong winds and frosts. Spring and summer were fairly dry, with record breaking temperatures in the summer with peaks over 40°C (104°F). A providential rain prior to the harvest allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturation. Harvest quantities were 30% below average
Small lot fermentation at 25-30°C (77-86°F), using indigenous (wild) yeast in small cement vats. Twelve day maceration with frequent aerations, pump-overs and punch-downs of the cap for optimum polyphenol extraction.
It was placed in small (lt.225) new French and American oak barrels for 12 months
In our temperature controlled cellar for over 45 months.
Dark, deep, blackish-ruby hue.
Bold and intense, with black fruit and plum aromas, black pepper, walnut and hints of vanilla.
Full-bodied palate with exceptional black fruit intensity. Big structure with supple tannins and a long, persistent finish.