CAPEZZANA Carmignano `Villa di Capezzana` 2006 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. Fermentation took place in stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks for 25 days at 18-25C. The wine aged in 3.50hl tonneaux for 14 months, followed by more than 6 months in bottle before release. Good depth of colour with a restrained, elegant nose. Perfumes of dark cherry and liquorice give way to spice and plums on the palate. Nicely rounded tannins from the Sangiovese are lifted by the cassis concentration of the Cabernet and melt into a long, perfumed finish. Top 10 Recommendation, Decanter, 01 Jun 10 This Sangiovese with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits sweet yet elegant and fresh red cherry fruit with some spicy notes. Dense with soft tannins nicely balanced with the red fruit and spicy tone characters. GOLD - Sommelier Wine Awards 2010 Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 80% Sangiovese 20% Cabernet Sauvignon Region Carmignano Winemaker Benedetta Contini Consultant Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Acidity 5.6g/l Residual Sugar 1.7g/l Wine pH Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £133.57 (Including VAT at 20%)