LE PUPILLE Saffredi 2006 This estate has now joined the ranks of Tuscan superstars. Elisabetta Geppetti has injected a great deal of dynamism into Le Pupille.s wines over the past few vintages. In addition to the Morellino di Scansano, one of Tuscany.s great value reds, Le Pupille has been expending considerable effort in producing two of Italy.s great red wines - the outstanding single vineyard .Poggio Valente. Morellino and the intense, powerful Saffredi. The Saffredi vineyard covers 4 hectares and is situated at 280 metres above sea level, with a south-eastern exposure, although the Merlot vines face west and northwest. Soils are relatively chalky, rich in ancient skeletal matter but poor in organic matter. The vines are planted at 4,000 vines per hectare and are cordon-trained and spurpruned. The average yield is 25-28 hl/ha. The Merlot grapes were hand picked in mid September, followed by Alicante and finishing with the Cabernet well into October. For the first time 5% of Syrah grapes were added to this blend as the Cabernet was not as productive as in previous vintages. The fruit was crushed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 28-32°C. Malolactic fermentation took place before the wine was transferred to 80% new and 20% second usage barriques where it remained for 20 months. It was bottled in January 2009. Intense perfumes of spicy blackberry and plums on the nose give way to powerful autumn berry fruits on the palate, tempered by the lightly spiced oak and impressive structure. The berry character continues to the long finish. "Clean and fresh, with floral and berry aromas that lead to a full body, with polished, silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. All in finesse." 92 points, ‘New Releases‘ Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Oct-08 Vintage 2006 Grape varieties 45% Cabernet Sauvingon 45% Merlot 5% Alicante 5% Syrah Region Magliano In Toscana Winemaker Christina Le Sommer & Sergio Bucci Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14% Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl Price: £77.93 (Including VAT at 20%)