GRAPES: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Area: Montepulciano
Atitude: 400m a.s.l. (Ascianello) and 450m a.s.l. (Fontecornino)
Vineyards: 32ha in total, divided in three parts. The Ascianello is a 16ha vineyard and Fontecornino is a 7ha vineyard. The vines are from 1996 and 2001-3.
Soil: sandy and rich in clay
Yield: 4500 kg/ha
Harvest: manual harvest into crates followed by a selection on sorting tables
Fermentation: after destemming, only a partial crushing of the grapes takes place. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature and a maximum maceration of 30 days.
Ageing: 12 months of aging in new french tonneaux barrels followed by 6 months or aging in larger barrels of oak (max. 25hl).
Refining: 6 months of bottle refinement before market release
Bottle production: 45000 bottles 0,75l
Alcohol: 13.5%
Color: vibrant ruby red with garnet
Nose: ripe cherries and plums with plenty of cedar and forest smells, spices and vanilla
Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG - De' Ricci
This aged wine of Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile in Montepulciano) has a smooth texture and hints of sweet vanilla from its long aging in small and large barrels of oak. The ripe cherry and plum aromas, notable body and tannins give way to a sapid salinity that best accompanies the roast and grilled meats for which Tuscany is so renowned.