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: Loc. Montebottigli – Commune of Grosseto, 70-130 metres above sea level. South. south-west exposure
Vineyards age: 19 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 6.600
Harvest: Hand picked from Sept. 5th (Cabernet Franc), September 21st (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Fermentation temperature: 28 – 30 °C
Period of maceration: 16 days
Ageing: 18 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 70% new)
Finissage: 4 months in concrete tanks
Bottling: July 2018
The almost total lack of summer rainfall can be considered the main characteristic of the 2016 vintage in the Maremma. A hot June was followed by cool July and August with unusual northern winds.
Harvest began on 29th August with Vermentino, followed by Alicante and Syrah at the beginning of September, all characterised by extraordinary aromas thanks to the ideal temperature changes between day and night. In the middle of September harvest had to be halted due to a 30 mm rainfal, which helped the phenolic development of the grapes. All fruit was collected on the 10th October with the last Sangiovese grapes.
Classic notes of ripe red fruits associated with Maremma, combine with notes of blackberries and dark spice. This wine has an impressive structure with a full body and a very long and perfumed finish.
Steak, roast beef, lightly spicy foods, venison, cheese.
The Drinks Business: 96 Points
James Suckling: 94 Points
Robert Parker: 94 Points
Wine Spectator: 93 points
Maremma, Tuscany
85% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Cabernet Franc
Natural Cork
14.15%
5.92 g/l
Yes
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