Bolgheri’s exceptional climate is moderated by sea breezes from the nearby Tirrhenian Sea, and the vineyards’ clay and sand soils are ideal for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The delicate Merlot was picked during the first half of September, while the robust Cabernets and Petit Verdot were harvested in the second half of the month. Grapes come from densely planted vineyards and low yields, which produce wines with concentration and complexity. Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and maceration on the skins takes 20-22 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in steel. The wine is matured 12 months in one-year-old French barriques and at least 3 months in bottle before release.