FRESCOBALDI “MONTESODI” 2020 NIPOZZANO CASTLE

From this plot, always known by everyone as Montesodi due to the stony nature of the soil, the first Cru of the Estate was born in 1974. It represents the wine of my youth and of my most beautiful memories at Castello Nipozzano, a Sangiovese of extreme elegance and vivacity, capable of moving me even after decades.

THE CLIMATE:

Autumn 2019 at Castello di Nipozzano was rainy, which allowed the creation of a good water reserve in the vineyard substrates. Winter was characterized by rather mild temperatures. Spring also recorded temperatures above seasonal averages. This situation favored a surprising vegetative-productive balance. A very favorable climatic situation which, together with the cool night temperatures, ensured strength and health to the vines, from budding to harvest. The grapes were therefore accompanied to maturation by an optimal situation, arriving at the harvest in perfect health conditions. The 2020 vintage enhances the characteristics of this extraordinary "terroir", thanks to a strong acidic vein and an important sugar endowment.

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION:

The Montesodi vineyard is located at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, on schistose soils with a magnificent south-west exposure. The Sangiovese from the Montesodi vineyard, after careful work in the vineyard, was harvested manually in 15 kg boxes. Further care and selection was placed in the cellar; upon their arrival, the grapes were subjected to careful control on a sorting table. Berry after berry, only the highest quality in terms of polyphenolic substances and grape health was chosen. The 2020 harvest produced particularly rich and concentrated grapes, harvested at the most propitious moment also thanks to a dry harvest period. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration were regular. Malolactic fermentation took place immediately after racking. At the end of the year, the traditional maturation/elevation period of Montesodi began in 30 hl Austrian and French oak barrels, where it remained for the next 18 months (15 months), until bottling. The subsequent months of bottle aging allowed Montesodi to express its maximum elegance and potential.

THE WINE:

Montesodi 2020 is a splendid bright ruby ​​red. The nose opens with fruity notes of blackberry and blueberry followed by clear floral hints of violet. The subsequent olfactory phase is dominated by pleasant spicy notes of black pepper and balsamic notes of eucalyptus and licorice root. On the palate it is dry, with a firm backbone and the dense texture typical of the best Sangiovese. Montesodi 2020 is striking for its usual aromatic complexity, freshness supported by a generous but agile body and a particularly long finish.