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BRUNELLO
DI MONTALCINO
Characteristics
of the soils: The terrain in which the vines that yield
this Brunello di Montalcino grow consists of a fresh clayey base
with a rich content of crumbled rock. Because of that characteristic,
the vines are not subjected to severe shortages of water in the
final stages of ripening.
Altitude
and gradient: The vineyards are situated at an altitude
of 130 meters (426 feet) with slopes varying from 5% to 10%. Exposure
is to the southwest.
Grapes
used: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Training
system: Spurred cordon
Planting
density: 4,180 vines per hectare (1,692 an acre)
Production
techniques: The grapes, picked at the end of September,
beginning of October, are soft-pressed and fermented in stainless
steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28-30° C. (82-86°
F.). The noble components of the skins are extracted through frequent
pumping over and punching down of the cap. Maceration of the skins
lasts from 18 to 21 days.
The wine is matured for 24 months with alternating periods in barriques
and casks of medium size.
Before release onto the market, the wine is fined for 8-10 months
in the bottle.
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