RECIOTO 2011
Appellation: Recioto della Valpolicella D.O.C.G.
Grape varieties: Corvina Veronese 70%, Rondinella 30%
Vineyard location: Hillsides of the Valpolicella production area
Altitude: Average 240m above sea level
Exposure: South/East
Soil characteristic: Clayey and calcareous
Training system: Arbour
Average age of the vines: 26 years
Density of the vineyards: About 3,000 vines/Ha (1,214 vines/acre)
VINIFICATION AND AGEING
Harvest: Manual harvest of selected bunches carried out in the second half of September
Appassimento (drying process): Grapes are left to dry for 4 months in a humidity controlled drying loft, where they lose about 50% of their original weight
Pressing: De-stalking then soft crushing of the grapes in late January or early February
Vinification: De-stemmed and soft-pressed in early January
Fermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
Fermentation temperature: 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Length of fermentation: 22/24 days with daily periodic pumping overs
Ageing: 5 months in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, 15 months in oak (half in large Slavonian oak barrels, half in second use barriques), 6 months in bottle
ANALYTICAL DATA
Alcohol content: 13.4% Vol
Total acidity: 5.55 g/l
Residual sugars: 130.4 g/l
Dry extract: 37.1 g/l
Free SO2: 32 mg/l
Total SO2: 132 mg/l
pH: 3.55
VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS
Seasonal development was excellent this year, with ideal day-to-night temperature ranges that effectively preserved the aromatic properties of the grapes until around the 10th of August. The scorching heat wave in the following two weeks had a damaging effect on the grapes that were more exposed to the sun and therefore we immediately set about removing these bunches. The approximately 50mm (2 inches) of rainfall in late August/early September were a godsend and enabled the vines to recover their vigour and the weather to improve, with a return to day/night temperature ranges similar to those experienced previously. After analysing the grapes, we decided to commence harvesting at the beginning of September. This vintage will exhibit fine extracts together with a broad and intense range of aromas.
TASTING NOTES
Compact ruby red in colour.
The nose is intense with almost bursting red fruits and aromatic herbs.
On the palate is succulent, with excellent, well-balanced body. Surprising, as much as its marked sweetness is never cloying due to an elegant, crisp acidity that makes for easy drinking and a long, satisfying finish.
FOOD PAIRINGS
This wine accompanies cheeses and chocolate cakes splendidly. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with sweets such as short crust pastry, cookies and cakes, but it is also an ideal combination with strawberries and many other tropical fruits. Serve at 14°C (57°F).