Vigna dell’Impero Valdarno di Sopra DOC 2016

Among Tuscany’s oldest vineyards, Impero Vineyard (meaning “Empire’s Vineyard”) was planted in 1935 by His Royal Highness the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy. Terraces hammered out of marly limestone on a steep slope in the middle of the estate make up this famed vineyard. The soil is a mix of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, that gives a spectacular minerality to the Sangiovese grapes grown here. The approximately 7 acres of vineyards are situated at an altitude of 919 - 984 feet with excellent sun exposure and beneficial breezes. Diurnal temperature variation helps to develop the finest aromas, elegant and complex. To highlight this very special terroir, vinification begins with a very soft and long maceration (one month) to extract the polyphenols that give greater tannins and anthocyanins. To soften the tannins, but without being too invasive and without changing the original perfumes, the wine is aged in large barrels for 24 months and in bottle for several months. The wine is not filtered, to preserve all typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese.