2012 Tenuta San Giusto A Rentennano Percarlo (Magnum)

(95 Points) Due to the very hot growing season, the 2012 Percarlo shows slightly evolved and spicy aromas of tobacco and leather on first nose. This pure expression of Sangiovese from the cooler Gaiole in Chianti sub zone is aged in French oak for 22 months. The wine expresses a dark and savory side of the mighty Tuscan grape with dark fruit, plum and dried blackberry. Yet, there is enormous depth and beauty here. Balsam and menthol notes appear on the close and the wine's finish can be counted in many long minutes. The mouthfeel has some areas of sharpness and edginess that will soften with time. -ML Wine Advocate

Percarlo is made from 100% estate grown Sangiovese grapes, especially selected bunch per bunch, from the best zones of their estate vineyards, which have a low yield of 1 Kg grapes per vine.





The grapes are usually allowed to mature beyond the normal degree of ripeness.   Fermentation and maceration take place in enameled cement vats and last up to 35 days. The yeasts produced are natural.



Percarlo is aged in French oak barriques for 20-22 months, bottled unfiltered and held in bottle for another 18 months before being released. The grapes which go into the making of Percarlo are selected, bunch per bunch, from vineyards whose soil dates predominately to the Pliocene epoch.





It is composed of layers of sand and stones which lie 2 to 5 meters deep and rest on beds of clay.  The vineyards are situated at an average altitude of 270 meters above sea level.   Notwithstanding the variations from year to year which occur in every wine faithful to its terroir, each vintage of Percarlo possesses constant characteristics which give it a precise, recognizable identity.





It is a wine with long ageing potential, a robust expression of the San Giusto a Rentennano terroir.