Il Bruciato 2023<br />Classification<br />Bolgheri DOC Rosso<br />Vintage<br />2023<br />Climate<br />The 2023 growing season in Bolgheri began with mild winter weather with limited precipitation that caused slightly early budbreak, which occurred from March 20th<br />forward. The spring months brought repeated rain showers and, although they were moderate in intensity, required careful vineyard management to preserve healthy vines.<br />Overall, July was hot and dry and proved to be beneficial in slowing down vine vigor while creating optimal conditions for veraison and ripening phases. Temperatures in<br />August were consistent with seasonal averages while at the end of the month unstable weather from the Atlantic brought rain and relief from the heat restoring favorable<br />conditions for an optimal ripening phase. Sunny dry conditions in September allowed each vineyard parcel to reach peak maturity and ensured the highest quality levels.<br />Merlot was harvested from the beginning to mid-September, while Syrah and Cabernet Franc were picked from mid to end of September. The grape harvest was completed<br />during the first half of October with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.<br /><br />Vinification<br />Upon arrival in the cellar, selected clusters were destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation and maceration on<br />the skins took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for approximately 15-20 days at a temperature<br />of 28-30 °C (82-86 °F). A portion of the Merlot and Syrah musts were kept at lower temperatures during<br />fermentation to better preserve each grape variety's distinctive aromas. Malolactic fermentation took place both in<br />barriques and in stainless steel tanks and was completed by the end of the year for all grape varieties. Afterwards,<br />Cabernet Sauvignon was blended with Merlot, Syrah, and a small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot:<br />the blend was reintroduced into barriques where it was left to age before bottling.<br />Historical Data<br />The Guado al Tasso estate is located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC appellation on the coast of Upper<br />Maremma, about one hundred kilometers southwest of Florence. This appellation has a relatively recent history as<br />it was established in 1994 but has gained worldwide recognition as a new reference point in the international<br />oenological scene. The estate covers an area of 1000 hectares (2500 acres), about 320 (790 acres) of which are<br />planted with vines. The remainder is richly covered with wheat fields, sunflowers and olive groves, set in a beautiful<br />plain encircled by rolling hillsides known as the Bolgheri amphitheater due to its particular shape. Guado al<br />Tasso's vineyards are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Vermentino<br />grapes; this last cultivated with both with white and red varieties. The nearby sea provides a mild climate with<br />constant breezes mitigate summer heat and alleviate harsh winter weather, maintaining a clear sky and a high level<br />of sunlight exposure. Il Bruciato was created in the year 2002 during one of the most difficult vintages at Guado al<br />Tasso in order to present the unique terroir of Bolgheri and give it a greater visibility and recognition. The first<br />blend to be used was that of Guado al Tasso only to see, in the years which followed, a modification of the varietal<br />composition and the identification of a series of vineyard plots intended to be used exclusively for this wine. The<br />wine was not produced in the 2003 vintage.<br />Tasting Notes<br />Il Bruciato 2023 is an intense ruby red color. The nose opens with sweet, captivating aromas of small ripe red fruit<br />and plums that lead over to delicate spicy notes. The palate is full bodied yet at the same time delicate, powerful and<br />refined. A wine that is extremely easy to drink defined by supple and well-concentrated tannins that impart<br />dimension, persistence and balance.<br />
Price
€30.80
