CAPEZZANA Ghiaie della Furba 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 for this wine are grown on the alluvial valley of the Furba River. The south/south-west facing vineyards are situated approximately 150 - 200 metres above sea level. The grapes were hand-picked from the end September-beginning October. The fermentation lasted 7 days and took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Temperatures did not exceed 27ºC during fermentation. After 4 days of maceration the wine was transferred into another vat, where the malolactic fermentation was completed within one month. The wine was aged for 14 months in French oak barriques before bottling. The wine was fined with egg white before bottling. It remained in bottle for a year before release. Intense ruby red in colour with a concentrated restrained nose. Perfumes of small wild red berries and spicy blackcurrant give way to a firm, full-bodied palate, with dense, sweet tannins and lovely balance. Long and perfumed on the finish. Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Syrah 20% Merlot Region Carmignano Winemaker Benedetta Contini Consultant Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £38.77 (Including VAT at 20%)