Climate<br />The 2021 growing season in Bolgheri was impacted by a long period of drought that lasted from June throughout September. However, unlike the 2017 vintage, winter was<br />particularly rainy which contributed to replenishing groundwater reserves in the deep soils that characterize this territory. The vines had the necessary soil moisture for the<br />entire growth cycle. Spring was cool resulting in a slight delay in bud break and flowering. Temperatures during the summer months were never excessive and ensured a<br />normal, gradual ripening phase of the fruit in each vineyard and produced berries that were whole and in perfect health. Merlot berries for Cont'Ugo began on September 8th<br />in the earlier ripening vineyards and was completed at the end of September in those late-ripening parcels.<br /><br />Vinification<br />After the grapes were hand harvested and carefully selected on sorting tables, the berries were transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel vats where alcoholic<br />fermentation and maceration on the skins took place over a period of about 20 days. Fermentation temperatures were managed based on the ripeness of the grapes: lower<br />temperatures were applied to preserve and enhance aromatic freshness while higher temperatures, up to 30 °C (86 °F), to boost extraction of phenolic compounds and<br />enhance structure. The different batches were divided according to their individual characteristics and then transferred into barriques where malolactic fermentation was<br />completed by the end of the year. The finest batches were blended and transferred back into second fill barriques for an additional 12-month period of aging, then bottled.<br />Cont'Ugo was bottled during the first half of March 2023.<br /><br />Historical Data<br />The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small, but prestigious, Bolgheri appellation on the coast Tuscany's Upper Maremma, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) to the<br />southwest of the city of Florence. This appellation has a relatively short history (it was created in 1994) but can boast a worldwide fame as a reference point wine on the<br />international scene. The estates covers an area of about 320 hectares (790 acres) planted to vines, in a splendid plain surrounded by hills known as the Bolgheri<br />amphitheater for its particular geographical conformation. The Guado al Tasso vineyards consist principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit<br />Verdot, and Vermentino grapes; this last cultivated with both with white and red varieties. They enjoy a mild climate due to the nearby presence of the Mediterranean Sea,<br />constant breezes mitigate summer heat, and the rigors of winter clear the sky and maintain a high degree of solar light and radiation. Cont'Ugo is produced exclusively from<br />Merlot grapes in order to interpret the territory of Bolgheri from a new perspective. The vineyards, situated at an altitude between 150 and 200 feet (45-60 meters) above sea<br />level on clayey-loam soils prevalently of alluvial origin, gave Cont'Ugo great depth and complexity while conserving the fragrance and richness of fruit which are typical of<br />Merlot.<br /><br />Tasting Notes<br />Cont'Ugo 2021 in intensely ruby red in color. The nose presents compelling aromas of small ripe red fruit, Marasca cherries and raspberries, together with hints of juniper<br />and moss. The palate is vibrant with excellent structure and a persistent fruity finish.<br />
Price
€53.20
