Tenuta Belguardo was purchased in the 1990s after the Mazzei family identified the potential for producing quality wines on the estate. In line with their philosophy of innovation, the family implemented an intense re-planting programme, carefully selecting grape varieties and clones. The estate is situated in the Maremma between the hills of Grosseto and Montiano, and within the official Morellino di Scansano viticultural zone. The estate is only 10km from the coast which plays an important role in the microclimate of the vineyards which cover 60 hectares and are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Vermentino, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and other indigenous varieties.
Vineyards location: 70-130 m (230-426 ft) a.s.l.; S-SW exp.
Soil: Mainly Sandstone and Limestone
Vineyards age: 18 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
Nr. of vines per hectare: 6,600
Fermentation temperature: At low temperature (14 – 16°C)
Period of maceration: Maceration of the skin for 1 hour (Syrah),
2 hours (Sangiovese)
Ageing: 3 months on the lees in stainless steeel tanks
Bottling: February 2022
The 2021 season opened on the heels of an autumn and winter characterized by typical temperatures and good rainfall, which guaranteed the build-up of an abundant water supply. A spring cold snap, with temperatures already below the national average, led to a sudden drop in temperatures in April and the freezes of April 7 and 8. This event damaged some of the already well-developed buds, thus limiting future fruiting, in particular of Sangiovese, Vermentino and Syrah. In terms of production, there were differences from zone to zone and also from vineyard to vineyard. In some, the damage was more apparent while in others, the losses were partially reabsorbed. In any case, from May forward, the vines bounced back with favorable bud development and excellent flowering in a generally dry climate.
In July and August, along with a rise in temperatures and an extraordinary heat wave, the vineyards were once again put to the test. Following an early veraison (signs showing already between late July and early August), on August 24th, rainfall finally arrived, dropping 28 mm of relief, which gave a boost to the vines, re-establishing a favorable diurnal temperature variation and ensuring optimal conditions for final ripening.
Despite the weather fluctuations, the grapes were healthy and in excellent phytosanitary condition. Early analytical findings indicate a wine with great concentrations, high polyphenolic values on the red grapes and medium-high alcohol content, but with a good sugars-to-acidity ratio.
Beginning of the harvest: August 28th, 2021
End of the harvest: September 23rd, 2021
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 106 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 3.937 °C
Evaluation: Very good
An attractive pale pink in the glass, with notes of juicy strawberry and cranberry and flowery hints of cherry blossom and rose petals. On the palate the wine is poised with fantastic freshness while the lees ageing adds to the mouthfeel and elevates the succulent red fruit flavours.
Starters, cold meats, salads, tomato based pasta, pizza, fish and vegetarian dishes
James Suckling 91 pts
Maremma, Tuscany
50% Sangiovese
50% Syrah
Biodegradable Normacorc
13.50 %
6 g/l
Yes
Yes
