LE PUPILLE Morellino di Scansano `Poggio Valente` 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 Poggio Valente vineyard is located around the medieval village of Pereta. Half of the plantation is a new, densely planted formation using a bilateral cordon training system with spur pruning. It consists of five Sangiovese clones. The remaining part, which is over 25 years old, is more than 95% Sangiovese, and the rest of the vines are of the Alicante variety. Soils are sandy and stony. Vintage took place in the first week of October after a long, warm summer. The grapes in 2006 were in excellent condition. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at a maximum of 30°C and was followed by maceration for three weeks. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel after which the wine was racked into one-two year old barriques, of which 85% was French oak and the rest American where it remained for 15 months before bottling. Lovely depth of ruby colour with a youthful purple rim. The 2006 Poggio Valente is perfumed and concentrated, with notes of sage, blackberry, rhubarb, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate it is concentrated and rich, with ripe, supple fruit and rounded tannins. Vintage 2006 Region Magliano In Toscana Winemaker Christina Le Sommer & Sergio Bucci Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 14.8% Acidity 5.2g/l Residual Sugar 1.8g/l Wine pH 3.7 Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £34.87 (Including VAT at 20%)