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

The weather in 2011 was very good. It can be considered one of the best vintages since 2000. The winter was harsh, with temperatures below the seasonal average, especially in November and January. Spring started early with mild temperatures and excellent water supply with gradual rainfall without wind. This favoured an excellent vegetative development of the plants to the benefit of the production. The summer was hot and long, but with temperatures in the seasonal averages, except for July, when the heat was more noticeable, but with a good temperature variation between night and day that prevented water stress on the plants and over-ripening of the grapes.

HARVESTING

In the period leading up to the harvest, the weather conditions were ideal, allowing the grapes to ripen normally and permitting harvesting operations to begin in the first week of September. The grapes arrived at the winery healthy and well ripened with crisp, plump berries. Harvest operations were completed in the first week of October.

FERMENTATION

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

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.