COTARELLA LE MACIOCHE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2016 |
The Le Macioche vineyard is located in the heart of the hilly territory of Siena (southern part of Tuscany) halfway between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the the Central Apennines. The Tenuta di Giova with its southern orientation, a good supply of clay is very rich in skeleton due to the presence of outcropping galestro rocks. The balance between exposition, altitude and type of soil, give Brunello the full expression of red fruits, tannin and slight acidity traits.
The winter and spring rain provided important hydric reserves and the alternating sunny and windy days allowed a raid and homogenous growth of the grape clusters during the months of May and June. A generally hot summer favored a good phenolic maturation of the clusters. September’s northerly winds and temperate climate allowed for maturation and ripening to conclude in an optimal manner.
Only 250 cases were produced of this Riserva, for which grapes are hand harvested and selected from specific vineyard rows known for their exceptional quality. Upon entering the winery, clusters are destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation occurs in tronco conic wood tanks for 15–18 days. Punch downs were conducted once a day for 10 days and after Malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in one singular 30hl oval oak barrel for 40 months. After aging the wine was lightly filtered, bottled and aged for an additional 12 months before release. Wine Spectator scored these 96 points saying "Pure aromas and flavors of black currant and cherry are graced by sage, iron and tobacco notes.