BELGUARDO Serrata di Belguardo, Maremma, Tenuta Belguardo 2007 Acquired recently by the Mazzei family, the estate, with its 30 hectares (74 acres) of vineyards, has already become one of the most important wine producers in the Morellino di Scansano zone. The exposure, entirely to the south-southwest, the nature of the terrain, which is dry and stony, and the exceptional microclimate, which benefits from the proximity to the sea, are all highly favorable factors which assure Belguardo's capacity to reach high quality levels and make the estate one of the zone's reference point wineries. Grape Varieties 60% Sangiovese 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot Food Matching Note: An excellent choice to acompany traditional Tuscan and Northern Italian style cuisine such as cold cuts of meat and cheese. Will also compliment game, red meat and pasta with rich sauces. Tasting Note: Displays the classic notes of ripe red fruits associated with Maremma, and a perceptible presence of black fruits, particularly blackberries. The structure is solid with tannins which are benning to soften and add complexity to the good length. Persistant finish. Vinification Note: The vineyard is at 70-130m a.s.l. with a west/southwest exposure. The vines are cordon trained, spur pruned and planted at a density of 6600 vines per hectare, they are hand picked from September 22nd (Cabernet Sauvignon); September 24th (Sangiovese) and from September 10th (Merlot). Fermentation is at 30°C with skin maceration for 18 days (Cabernet Sauvignon); 16 days (Sangiovese) and 18 days (Merlot). Ageing is in stainless steel tanks and then in small French oak barrels for 12 months. Production is limited to around 7000 cases. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £18.22 (Including VAT at 20%)