POGGIOTONDO `Cerro del Masso` Chianti 2008 Alberto Antonini bought this estate, next door to his Cerro del Masso vineyard, in 2001 and planted about 50 hectares of vineyard. He set about ensuring they were state-of-the-art, planted with a high density of 6,250 vines per hectare, which gives a low yield per vine, and all the newest and best quality clones. The vineyards are situated on beautiful hills, some of them .conche. or shell-shaped, which are south and southwest facing. They are planted primarily with Sangiovese, though Alberto is increasing the amount of Merlot in his vineyards as some of the soils have a high percentage of clay. Plant density is 6,250 vines/hectare and vines are guyot trained. Yields are 9 tonnes per hectare. Soils here are of marine origin and are chalky, with a high presence of white sea shells which reflect the light back to the vine and produce elegant, perfumed wines. 2008 was a good vintage for Tuscany with a mild spring with just the right amount of precipitation, followed by a warm summer with a little rainfall at the end. The resulting wines are fragrant, fresh and forward. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28°C for 7 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, where it aged for 10 months. Good depth of youthful ruby in colour with an attractive, forward perfume of white spice, pepper and ripe black cherries. On the palate the tannins are soft and rounded giving a lovely structure to the strawberry and blackberry fruit character in this great value young Chianti. Vintage 2008 Grape varieties 80% Sangiovese 10% Merlot 5% Syrah 5% Colorino Region Toscana Winemaker Alberto Antonini Closure Cork Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £52.49 (Including VAT at 20%)