CONTI COSTANTI Rosso di Montalcino 2008 Andrea Costanti has been running this estate for over twenty years and it has been in his family for more than 200. It is situated in Colle al Matrichese in the eastern part of the Montalcino zone, just outside the town of Montalcino. It covers 10 hectares of vineyards and benefits from the talents of consultant oenologist Vittorio Fiore. Their style is characterised by the striking elegance and intensity of the best wines from this zone, combining the power of Montalcino with the elegance that comes from vineyards situated at a high altitude. The vineyards are planted on galestro soil and are situated at an altitude of over 400 metres above sea level. The Sangiovese vines are between 6 and 25 years old. 2008 was a very good vintage in Montalcino producing wines with great vivacity and freshness. Fermentation took place on the skins in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature using selected yeasts and lasted three weeks. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank. The wine was then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of 3.5 hectolitres before being bottled. The Rosso 08 is bright ruby in colour with notes of red berry fruits and touches of spice and plum. On the palate it is smooth and silky with, soft, elegant tannins and plenty of plum fruit character. Vintage 2008 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Andrea Costanti Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Acidity 5.2g/l Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £158.80 (Including VAT at 20%)