Antinori Toscana Santa Cristina Sangiovese

Antinori Toscana Santa Cristina Sangiovese

Origin:
Toscana - Indicazione Geografica Tipica

Vintage:
2007

Grapes:
90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot

Climate Vintage:
The particularly mild weather in 2007 caused early foliage development and in turn affected the harvest period, which was earlier than usual. The Merlot harvest took place from the first to the third weeks of September, while the Sangiovese grapes were harvested between the third week of September and the first week of October. Generally speaking the wine obtained shows intense colour and very typical aromas, remarkably weighty polyphenolic components and nice fine-grained tannins. The 2007 wines are therefore balanced, beautifully structured and very stylish.

Vinification:
After destemming and soft crushing maceration lasted about 1 week, in stainless steel vats. During this phase the wine completed alcoholic fermentation at temperatures no higher than 25°C. After racking the wine completed malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for six months in the S. Cristina in Cortona. After blending, light clarification and filtration, it was bottled in June 2008 Alcohol: 13% Vol

History:
The first vintage of Santa Cristina, 1946, was made by Marchese Niccolò Antinori, father of Piero Antinori.

Taste:
Ruby red colour with purple hues. Intense fresh fruit aromas with pleasant floral hints. Well-structured, generous, soft and harmonious. Sweet tannin and lingering fruit in the finish.

What does the Wine Spectator have to say? (who cares?)
ANTINORI Toscana Santa Cristina 2007 (85 points, $12)
"Aromas of fresh raspberry and flowers follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with an easygoing texture and a clean finish. Drink now."

--James Suckling

What do I say? For $12.99 you'll think you're drinking a $40 vintage.