Appodiato di Montepulciano Molin Vecchio – I.G.T. Toscana 1999
Vineyard location
Southern exposure on rolling hillsides.
Vineyard age
Planted in 1994 at a density of 2.80×0.80 meters (-9×3 ft).
Trellising method
Trained to a bilateral cordon with vertical shoot positioning.
Grapes
Sangiovese Clone R24 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon clone CL15 10% and Syrah clone 99F 20%, all on 420A rootstock.
Soil
Sandy clay with limestone
The 1999 Vintage
The Winter months were cold and rainy as normal. Spring started cool and wet then turned mild. Flowering was abundant followed by a good set Verasion started uniformly during the first half of July. Summer was warm and sunny, with above average temperatures reaching on some occasions up to 36-40°C (96-103°F).
Harvest
September 28th and 29th.
Grape at harvest
Sugar 24.00%, total acidity 7.00 per thousand, ph 3.18.
Vinification
Small lot fermentation at 25-30 C (77-86°F) using selected yeast Ten day maceration with frequent pump-overs and punch-downs of the cap for optimum polyphenol extraction.
Malolactic fermentation
Started during the primary fermentation it was finished during maceration before being drawn off the lees.
Aging
Placed in new French and American oak barrels on March 2nd, 2000 it was taken out to settle in stainless steel tanks in January 2001.
Bottling
To protect the vineyard’s character this wine was racked then bottled unfiltered on March 2nd, 2001.
Production
12,652 bottles.
Bottle age
In our temperature controlled cellar for at least 31 months. To be released September 2003.
Color
Dark, deep, blackish-ruby hue
Bouquet
Bold and intense, with blackberries and licorice, black pepper and a hint of vanilla.
Taste
Full-bodied palate with exceptional red fruit intensity and spice. Big structured with well integrated, supple tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Analytical data at the time of bottling
Alcohol 13A0%, total acidity 5.80 per thousand, color 13.67, sugar 1.1 per thousand. polyphenols 3,020 mg/l, dry extract 31.60 g/l.
Serving temperature
18-20°C, 65-68°F.
Gastronomy
Best served with roasts.
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