6 perfect 2016 bottles by Ricasoli. Cellared at 14 degrees Celcius, 70% humidity. 94 RP. VINEYARD Planted in: 1993 |Density: 5500-6600 plants/ha Surface area: 5ha |Training: spurred cordon Altitude: 400m |Clone: 181 Exposure: South |Rootstock: 420A SOIL The brown clay loam soil with little organic content contributes to the exclusive personality of this great Merlot. GROWING SEASON The autumn and winter were very mild this year, with below-freezing temperatures only in part of January. In the spring, temperatures were average, with the end of May and early June hot but humid. Summer was hot and dry. End-July and Mid-August rains gave some relief to the plants, helping them during the period of veraison. Harvest began in early September, with temperatures mid-to-high and a drop of as much as 10-15°C, at nights. HARVEST The grapes were harvested from Casalferro vineyard on September 8 to 12, 2016. WINEMAKING Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C (75.2°-80.6°F) with 14-18 days of skin contact. AGEING 18 months in tonneaus 30% new. BOTTLING 22 November 2018 TECHNICAL DATA Alcohol: 14% vol. |Total acidity: 5,82 g/L pH: 3,25 |Non-Reducing Extract: 29,05 g/L Total Polyphenols (in Gallic acid): 2367 mg Shipping only in EU