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. The production facilities are located at an average altitude of between 80 and 400 metres above sea level, with a west/south-west exposure.

WEATHER TRENDS

An inconsistent year in Tuscany, which was initially underestimated. In the Bolgheri area, cold winter, excellent weather in spring with a hot summer with no precipitation.

HARVESTING

The 1999 harvest began in early September and lasted for about four weeks without interruption.

FERMENTATION

Fermentation happened in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of around 30° - 31°C. About two weeks of maceration on the skins, with various repassing and délestages. Malolactic fermentation in occurred in steel vats.

AGEING

Ageing, in French oak, 40% of which was new wood, lasted 23 months and bottling took place in the second half of October 2001.