MEDITERRA 2011
Appellation: I.G.T. Toscana
Grape varieties: Mainly Syrah with the addition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
The Territory: Bolgheri
Vineyard location: Le Sondraie, 8.0 hectares (14.8 acres)
Altitude: 25 metres (82 feet) above sea level
Exposure: West/Southwest
Soil characteristic: Clay, well drained sandy silt, with high concentrations of magnesium and iron
Training system: Spurred cordon
Average age of the vines: 9 years
Density of the vineyards: 7,936 vines/Ha (3,211 vines acre)
VINIFICATION AND AGEING
Harvest: Began the first week of September with Merlot followed by Syrah and ending with Cab Sauvignon the last week of September. All grapes are hand picked with further manual selection upon the arrival at the winery with the use of a sorting table.
Vinification: De-stemming and then soft pressing to avoid overly-rupturing the grape skins
Fermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
Fermentation temperature: 26/28°C (79/82°F)
Length of fermentation: 12 Days
Malolactic fermentation: In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
Ageing: In stainless steel on fine lees
ANALYTICAL DATA
Alcohol content: 14.3% Vol
Total acidity: 5.7 g/l
Residual sugars: 3 g/l
Dry extract: 32 g/l
Free SO2: 95 mg/l
Total SO2: 23 mg/l
pH: 3.52
VINTAGE CHARACTERISTICS
2011 was a memorable year, due to particular climatic conditions: with a mild spring, balanced rainfall during the months of March/April and more frequent rains in June/July and quite a fresh summer with pleasant day time temperatures almost up until mid-August. Even though the temperatures increased during the second half of August, the harvest presented perfectly healthy and high quality grapes with intense colours and perfumes. The hot and dry days anticipating the beginning of the harvest did not compromise the phenolic maturation of the grapes and the successive lowering of the temperature was ideal for the preservation of the aromas and the acidity, important elements in the achievement of elegant, balanced and prestigious wines.
TASTING NOTES
A fragrant and intensely fruity red wine, where the aromas of blackberries, plums and cherries are interwoven with more incisive peppery notes. The result of a winning blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Mediterra succeeds in the difficult task of expressing the rich complexity of Bolgheri’s terroir with an easy-drinking, exceedingly pleasurably style.
FOOD PAIRINGS
An ideal pairing with various meat dishes, cold cuts and medium-matured cheeses, including Italian pecorino. It should be enjoyed slightly chilled, with seafood dishes such as mullet in tomato sauce, poached fish and Livorno-style salt cod.
Serve in large glasses at 14/16°C (57/61°F), uncorking immediately prior to consumption.