Country: Italy  Region: Tuscany  Vintage: 2014 Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: Fossacolle Such is the quality of the vineyards in this small estate that Adriano Bambagioni has been able to produce wines that have won numerous accolades. Adriano learned his trade during the 10 years that he worked together with Giacomo Tachis at Argiano, where he is the cellarmaster. This experience is evident in the supple tannins of the Brunello, as well as the excellent structure of the Rosso. His winemaking blends tradition with a modern approach, with both used French oak barriques and large Slovenian oak casks being used for the Brunello. The estate has been owned by the Marchetti family, Adriano's in-laws, since 1700, and Adriano's son, Stefano, now works alongside him. The estate is situated in south central Montalcino and covers four hectares of vineyards, 2.5 of which are destined for Brunello. The vines are on average 18 years old. Winemaker: Adriano Bambagioni Vineyards: The vineyards are located at 300 metres above sea level and are south facing. Soils here are firm, tending to clay. The vines were planted in 1984, are spur-pruned and cordon trained with 4,000 vines per hectare. Yields are approximately 7,000 kilos per hectare or 54 hectolitres per hectare. Vinification: The grapes were hand-picked and gently pressed. The must underwent a pre-fermentation maceration at low temperatures in steel fermenters, before temperature controlled fermentation. Frequent pump-overs, punch-downs and delestages allowed for the best extraction from the skins. After 14-16 days of maceration and complete alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was transferred to the ageing cellar. Here it aged for ten months in second use French barriques and 25 hectolitre oak casks, gaining complexity and roundness. The wine matured for a further three months in glass-lined cement vats prior to a static settling, bottling and release. Tasting Notes: Dark ruby red in colour. Impeccable fresh, fruity aromas are given depth by delicate tertiary notes, exemplary structure and roundness. The long, persistent finish is lifted and bright. Food Suggestion: Drinks well with any red meat or a rich, tomato-based pasta dish. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 14%