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
Vineyard age: 13 years
Training system: Spur cordon-training
No. of vines per hectare: 6,600
Harvest: Hand picked from 23rd September (Cab Sauvignon), 14th September (Cab Franc)
Fermentation temperature: 28 – 30° C
Period of maceration: 16 days
Ageing: 18 months in small French oak barrels (225 litre / 70% new)
Bottling: June 2013
The winter months saw heavy rain with average temperatures so vegetative growth of the plants started as expected. Bud break and flowering took place as usual and fruit set occurred under optimum conditions. From mid-May temperatures increased significantly and a prolonged period without rainfall set in and lasted until the end of September. Harvest began on 25th August with some of the red grapes and the last to be harvested were the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on 24th September. The grapes harvested were healthy and yields were good.
Classic notes of ripe red fruits associated with Maremma, combine with notes of blackberries and spice. This wine has an impressive structure with supple tannins and lovely notes of spice and black berry fruits on the finish.
Steak, roast beef, lightly spicy foods, venison, cheese.
James Suckling: 93 Points
Antonio Galloni: 93 Points
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
Maremma, Tuscany
90% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Cabernet Franc
Natural Cork
13.9%
5.8 g/l
