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.
Vineyard location: 70-130 metres above sea level. South south-west exposure
Soil: Mainly sandstone and limestone
Vine age: 11 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 6,600
Maceration: 50% of the grapes are left on their skins for up to 12 hours and fermented at 15°C
Ageing: A proportion of the wine ages on its lees for two months in previously used barriques
Bottling: February 2015
The lower lying vineyards were challenged by a wetter than average spring and summer meaning that careful vineyard management and selection was required to maintain a high quality. However, an extended sunny spell in September which lasted until harvest enabled the grapes to reach optimum ripeness and resulted in wines with lovely aromatics and excellent colour and acidity.
An attractive pale pink in the glass, with notes of rose petals and cherry. In the mouth there is a poised balance of acidity, alcohol and body, and the short period in wood adds to mouthfeel, structure and complexity, without overwhelming the succulent red fruit characteristics.
Starters, cold meats, salads, tomato based pasta, pizza, fish and vegetarian dishes
Maremma, Tuscany
50% Sangiovese
50% Syrah
Biodegradable Normacorc
13.5%
6.8 g/l