SOIL STYLE

The soils on which the vineyards stand has varied and complex terrain features with a strong presence of limestone, feature areas rich in marl and pebbles as well as being partly clayey; they sit at an altitude of between 100 and 300 metres above sea level, with a south/south-west exposure.

WEATHER TRENDS

The winter of the 2008 season was fairly mild and not very wet, with the exception of some precipitation during the first month of the year. Temperatures fell around mid-March, remaining below the seasonal average for about three weeks, which led to a delay in the start of vegetation by approximately 10 days compared to the norm, affecting the subsequent phenological phases (flowering and veraison). Spring was very sunny, but from 10 to 20 May, which corresponded to the flowering period, there were frequent rains as well as a significant drop in temperature. After the May rainfall, the summer season was fairly regular, except for some water stress in the sandier areas and a phase (approximately 2 weeks) of abnormal heat between the end of August and the first 15 days of September. The tramontana wind that characterised the second half of September and caused a consequent lowering of temperatures, led, in the case of later varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to a further lengthening of the ripening cycle and a gain in both aromatic and structural potential, while maintaining a fresh and vibrant acidity.

HARVESTING

Given the favourable climatic conditions, the harvest took place regularly, beginning in the first ten days of September and ending in the first week of October.

FERMENTATION

Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled steel vats, with 15 days' maceration for both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

AGEING

Once malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was placed in French oak barriques, and a small part in American oak, where it was aged for a period between the 20 and 25 months. The duration of the ageing is technically decided on the basis of the seasonal trend of the vintage.