BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG RISERVA Caparzo's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is only produced in the finest vintages, from grapes selected personally by winemaker Massimo Bracalente. The grapes are in part from from vineyards located in the northern part of the Montalcino Appellation, at an elevation of 220 meters above sea level, and in part from vineyards south of Montalcino, at an elevation of 270 meters. In both cases the vineyards are on sandy-stony south-southeast facing Pliocene terrains. The Riserva begins to show its best several years after bottling. Produced in limited quantities, the Riserva is destined to especially passionate, attentive wine lovers. A classic, complete Riserva able to awaken unique sensations in the most expert palates. The first Caparzo Riserva Brunello di Montalcino DOCG was produced in 1980. The wine has the capacity to age for up to 40 years. HARVEST: manual selection. PRIMARY FERMENTATION: The primary fermentation lasts 7 days, at controlled temperatures between 28 and 30 °C, and is followed by delestages and pump overs. Because of the superb quality of the skins, the wine is kept in contact with them for a further 10/15 days. MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Spontaneous, at a controlled temperature of 20-24 °C, immediately after racking. AGING IN WOOD: at least 2 year. BOTTLE AGING: at least 6 months. ALCOHOL CONTENT: 13,00 - 14,00% vol. ACIDITY 5 - 6‰ AGING CAPACITY: more than 35 years. FIRST YEAR PRODUCED: 1980 COLOR: ruby, tending towards garnet with age BOUQUET: penetrating, ample, and very complex, with echoes of wild berry fruit. PALATE: dry, warm, solid, harmonious, combining delicacy and austerity, and persistent. FOOD-WINE PAIRINGS: excellent with roasts and spit-roasted meats, grilled meats, game, braised meats, and aged cheeses. SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18 °C, better if opened 2 - 3 hours before it is poured. always kept in cellar with temperature and humidity control sempre tenuto in cantina con temperatura e umiditá controllata