CAPEZZANA Barco Reale di Carmignano 2007 The Capezzana estate, 24 km north west of Florence, is owned by the Contini Bonacossi family. The younger generation is now firmly in charge of the estate.s 100 hectares of vineyard, with daughter Benedetta Contini Bonacossi as winemaker. Stefano Chioccioli is the estate.s consultant winemaker. The wines and the olive oil have an ineffable elegance which marks this estate out from the crowd. Barco Reale was the biggest property belonging to the Medici Grand Dukes, and the Capezzana estate was part of this property. It was surrounded by a wall 50 km long and two metres high. In 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III de. Medici issued a decree (Decretu motu Proprio) which effectively demarcated the Carmignano zone. Grapes are grown on the estate.s 104 hectares of vineyard which are situated at approximately 150-200m above sea level, facing south/south-east and south-west. Soils are schistous clay with limestone. Harvest took place from the beginning of September for the Sangiovese until the first week of October for the Cabernet. Barco Reale is a younger version of the Carmignano from Capezzana, as the fruit is sourced from slightly younger vines in the same vineyards. Fermentation lasted 7 days in temperature-controlled vats. Maceration took place in stainless steel tanks and lasted for seven days. The wine was matured in 25hl Allier oak barrels for 6 months before bottling, followed by three months in bottle before release. Deep red-purple in colour, it has an attractive nose of ripe red fruit with the oak lending spicy depth. On the palate, it has lovely balance between lively, red fruit character and smooth, spicy tannins. 92 points, February Issue, TheWineGang.com, 01 Jan 90 This is Capezzana.s second wine . its everyday red . and while it may not be quite an everyday price, it is very good value. It combines seductive aromas of strawberry and crème de cassis with a more obviously Italian cherry-and-spice flavour and a texture that combines suppleness with softly chewy tannins. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 70% Sangiovese 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Canaiolo Nero Region Carmignano Winemaker Benedetta Contini Consultant Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli Closure Stelvin Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Bottle Sizes 37.5cl, 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £87.08 (Including VAT at 20%)