FATTORIA PETROGNANO Pomino Rosso 2007 The Petrognano estate was rented by Selvapiana.s Francesco Giuntini in 1993. His son, Federico Giuntini Masseti, now makes the wine with consultant Franco Bernabei. This cool, northern Tuscan zone, with vineyards planted at an altitude of about 350m above sea level, gives the wine a lovely elegance, while the blend of varieties, the judicious use of oak and the skill of Franco Bernabei all combine to produce an excellent wine. Pomino.s use of French varieties in the blend dates back to the 1850s, when Vittorio degli Albizi returned from France to Tuscany to take over the family estate and brought with him cuttings from his favourite French varieties. The vines are approximately 25 years old and are planted on clay soil. The grapes were hand-harvested in the second half of October. After pressing and destemming, fermentation took place partly in temperature controlled stainless steel vats, and partly in wooden vats at 28-30°C. Maceration lasted for 18-20 days, with daily pumping over. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months; the Sangiovese in 20hl French oak casks, while the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were aged in 5hl barrels. The final blend took place in stainless steel after which the wine was bottled under stelvin and aged for a further six months in bottle. Deep coloured and intense on the nose, with perfumes of red and black fruit with a hint on spiced plums from the Merlot. On the palate, the Pomino is rounded and rich, with the Sangiovese giving a youthful structure to the richer, cassis character of the Cabernet and the rounded tannins of the Merlot. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 60% Sangiovese 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot Region Pomino Winemaker Federico Masetti Giuntini Consultant Winemaker Franco Bernabei Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £180.64 (Including VAT at 20%)