Barone Ricasoli - Bolgheri 2014
Pairing Suggestions
Made of Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 25%. In the glass purple red color. In the nose red and dark berries, tobacco, leather, liquorice and hints of lavender. The liquorice doesn't overpower the fruit. On the palate warm, imposing and juicy, dry and the finish ends after a long, long time with a little black pepper and vanilla.
Growing Season
Grapes were harvested from 8 to 26 September, the usual time of year and period. Winter in 2014 was mild and rainy, which led to early bud break in the vineyard.
Spring was rainy, with temperatures slightly below average, which slowed plant growth, bringing it back to an average for its subzone. Summer, instead, was unusually fresh and rainy, lowering sugar synthesis in the grapes and leading to subsequent lower alcohol content.
In particular, the cool, moist weather facilitated an increase in fungal growth on the plants, which led to a drop in the production, important to maintain high quality.
The best grape type is the petit Verdot (less susceptible to fungi), while all the other grapes (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) are of slightly lower quality, but we are confident they can be improved during aging in barriques and tonneaux.
The yield was 60 quintals/ha.
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 25%.
Vinification: In stainless steel at controlled temperature with 16 days of skins contact.
Maturation: 12-14 months in barriques, a further 6 months of bottle ageing follows.
Wineproducer: www.baronericasoli.com