Purchased by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003, Castiglion del Bosco, after major investment in the vineyards and winery, has been restored to its position as a leading Montalcino estate. Ferragamo also bought an 11 hectare estate, Prima Pietra, near Riparbella, north of Bolgheri in the Maremma. Locally trained oenologist, Cecilia Leoneschi, who has been working at the winery since 2003 oversees the vineyards and the cellar.
The grapes are grown in a well-ventilated vineyard at 450 metres above sea level, with a constant breeze from the Mediterranean. Vines are Guyot trained and planted at a density of 9,600 vines per hectare. The soils are a mix of gravel and iron rich clay giving concentration to the wine
20 days’ fermentation in stainless steel tanks and concrete casks at a temperature of 28C – at this stage varieties are kept separate. 18 months in French oak barriques (50% new). For the first 10 months, grapes are matured separately before being blended before the last 8 months of maturation.
The 2017 harvest began one week earlier than usual at Prima Pietra, but still later than surrounding estates, thanks to the elevated position of the vineyards. Despite a hot summer, the high diurnal range, in September especially, allowed a slow and balanced ripening process without excessive sugar development.
Elegant, yet intense with a vibrant ruby colour. Fleshy and juicy red and dark berry aromas on the nose, underlined with earthy, herbaceous and wet stone notes on the palate. Velvet-like tannins, yet a firm structure. Long finish.
Game, steak and monkfish.
Maremma, Toscana IGT
83% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Cabernet Franc
2% Merlot
natural cork
14%
