Growing Conditions
***Soil***: The vineyards are planted on plots of land with different and composite morphological characteristics, as well as with a strong presence of limestone. These areas are also rich in rocks and rather rich in clay and are located at an altitude between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, facing South/South-West.
***Vine training***: Cordon spur system
***Planting density***: 6.250 vines/Ha
***Climate***: The 2004 winter had adequate rainfall and never excessive temperatures coupled with a sunny spring dotted with short thunderstorms. Budding occurred between March 30th and April 10th. Flowering was highlighted by a high bud fertility (due to the high temperatures of the previous year). The potential high yield was kept within the desired quality limits by a strong and repeated thinning of the grapes. The summer was characterized by a mild beginning with moderate temperatures and a sunny and very hot month of August. These ideal conditions allowed for a homogenous and regular physiological development of all varieties.
Harvest
The skins, were thick and healthy and rainfall did not interrupt maturation of the grapes during the harvest, giving ample time to determine the harvest date of every plot of land.
Winemaking
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature and the maceration lasted for 17 days for the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aging
The wine was aged in American and Franch oak barriques, 1/3 new, for 15 months.
