2018 Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte 'Ripaforte' Toscana IGT

Since 2019, Ripaforte has been 100% Petit Verdot. The grapes are harvested by hand from the oldest single vineyard of Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte, planted on the south-eastern side of Mount Aquilaia, at 170 meters above sea level. This is a wild and unspoiled territory where the soil is made up of ancient marine deposits containing clay, sand and round gravel. Lush woods of Mediterranean scrub protect the grapes destined for Ripaforte from excessive sunshine and the strong winds from the sea. The proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea results in a mild microclimate during even the hottest summer days. The vines, trained using the Guyot method, have low yields and are carefully managed to avoid damaging the fruit. The Ripaforte vineyard is the last to be harvested, allowing the grapes to ripen into the second half of September, when temperatures begin to drop. The grapes are harvested, selected and delicately destemmed by hand before undergoing vinification in concrete. Following malolactic fermentation in concrete, the wine is transferred to French oak tonneaux for aging, before finally being bottled and stored in our temperature-controlled cellar.

Licorice, dark earth and a good amount of blackberry and blueberry fruit with hints of new lather one the bouquet.  Good intensity of fruit on the tongue with light tannins and all that nuance from the nose lingering through the finish held together by a firm hand of acidity some vegetal notes on the finish but lovely balance and freshness.  Finish 45+  Excellent +