Tenuta Belguardo, 2009 Serrata di Belguardo, Maremma.

Grapes: 60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.

Vinification: 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.

Taste: 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.