BELGUARDO Tenuta di Belguardo, Podere Belguardo 2003 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 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Sangiovese 10% Merlot Food Matching Note: Rack of lamb with red-currant wine sauce, tandoori spiced lamb chops, grilled sirloin steak with anise basil butter or braised pork loin cutlets with thyme-lemon sauce. Tasting Note: A full, concentrated nose of crushed raspberries with a hint of vanilla invites you onto the muscular but silky palate of mixed fruits of the forest, earthy spices and complex wood characters. Thick, structured palate and well defined finish. Vinification Note: This is the "Grand Vin" of the estate which combines weight and density, complexity, and elegance, all given by the exceptional "terroir" where it is born. 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 hand picked from September 18th (Cabernet Sauvignon); September 21st (Sangiovese) and from August 26th (Merlot). Fermentation is between 28 & 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 18 months. Production is limited to around 1250 cases. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £43.36 (Including VAT at 20%)