FOSSACOLLE Rosso di Montalcino 2007 This estate has four hectares of vineyards, 2.5 of which are destined for Brunello and the rest for Rosso di Montalcino. It is situated in the southwestern part of Montalcino. Owned by Sergio Marchetti, whose family has been there since the 1700s, the wines are now made by his son-in-law, Adriano Bambagioni, with help from his son, Stefano. Adriano learned his trade during the ten years he worked with Giacomo Tachis, and this comes across in the supple tannins of the Brunello. Fossacolle made its impressive debut with the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino, which was released in January 2002. The vineyards are located at 300m above sea level and are south facing. Soils here are firm, tending to clay. The vines were planted in 1984, spur-pruned and cordon trained with about 4,000 vines per hectare. They yield approximately 70 quintals per hectare or 54 hl/ha. 2007 was characterised by a hot summer, with occasional rainfall at the right time to help maturation, particularly of the tannins and aromatic qualities in the grapes. The grapes were hand-picked and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel and cement tanks. Maceration and fermentation lasted 14 days with frequent punching down of the cap. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to 25 hl second and third use French casks for 10 months, followed by 3 months back in cement tank. Deep ruby in colour, with perfumes of dark cherries and red-black fruit on the nose, giving way to ripe, plum and blackberry fruit flavours, supported by a lightly spiced oaky character and smooth, rounded tannins. Very good length with a spicy, blackberry crumble finish. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Adriano Bambacioni Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14.5% Acidity 5.2g/l Residual Sugar 2.7g/l Wine pH 3.65 Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £129.52 (Including VAT at 20%)