Antinori Botrosecco Le Mortele Marema 2017
Botrosecco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, an intriguing, resolute wine with great balance, expressing the unique characteristics of the Maremma territory.
The Mortelle estate is in the heart of the Marema in Tuscany, near the town of Castiglione della Pescaia, situated in an exceptional and fascinating location both for the unparalleled natural beauty of the territory and for its historical heritage and culture. The Antinori family has been part of this territory for generations. Evidence of land ownership in this area is recorded in an 1863 deed. It lists their ownership of Poggio Franco, one of the best vineyards on the estate, along with other parcels of land. Since 1999, when the property was acquired, the family has devoted its efforts to improving the vineyards and building the new winery with the firm belief that this area, which is slowly emerging on the Italian viticultural horizon, has great potential for the production of high-quality wines. The varieties grown in this area can fully express their own characteristics as well as the outstanding qualities of the terroir. The estate extends over 270 hectares (667 acres), 170 of which (420 acres) are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other more recently planted vineyards with white grape varieties such as Vermentino, Ansonica, Viognier and a small parcel of Carmenère. The soil is of medium consistency, sandy and loamy, composed of clay and silica, and in some parts of the estate is rich in stony deposits.
The grapes were meticulously selected during the harvesting operations, brought to the cellar for de-stemming and then carefully crushed. The must was transferred to stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation was carried out at a temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) to enhance the characteristic aromatic profile of each grape variety and preserve the pure qualities of the fruit. During maceration on the zips, which takes place over a period of approximately 15 days, pumps are carried out on the surface to extract only the most desirable tannins. The wine is then transferred to stainless steel tanks where malolactic fermentation takes place and is completed by the end of the year. Botrosecco is aged in barriques for 12 months before being bottled and further aged in bottle.
Botrosecco 2018 is ruby red in color. The nose is intense and complex, defined by sensations of ripe red fruits, cherries and plums, along with spicy notes of red pepper and white pepper. The taste is velvety, spicy with mouth-filling tannins and a persistent finish. The aftertaste brings back aromatic notes of red fruits, tobacco and cocoa. Enjoy this fruity and full-bodied red wine from southern Tuscany with typical delicious dishes from the regional cuisine including roasts, game, wild boar ragout, spicy cheeses.
