Sensory features: The particular concentration of colour is expressed in a brilliant, powerful ruby red. The bouquet combines earthy and forest floor hints with precise jam, cocoa and ripe cherry notes. In the mouth the substantial mineral traces are apparent, as is the notable tannic texture, well balanced by the sweetness of the alcohol. An enveloping wine with good structure whose aromatic complexity will undoubtedly expand with additional ageing in the bottle.

Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese

Vineyards: Alto represents one of the most marked expressions of the power of a land, the Val di Cornia, whose geological and microclimatic features are clearly expressed through the Sangiovese varietal, which has made Tuscany its adopted home.

In this corner of the Tyrrhenian Coast, Sangiovese has particular complexity and tannic vigour, combining evident mineral traces with a level of acidity that is less marked than is normally the case in wines produced in inland areas. In this respect Alto is the young interpreter of an experimental study that intends to promote the distinctive expressive power of clayey soils and perfect grape maturity.

The Sangiovese grapes are gathered by hand towards the end of September, taking particular care to preserve the integrity of the fruits. After a painstaking selection process on the sorting tables, vinification takes place in 10,000-litre truncated cone shaped oak vats.

Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation is preceded by a cold pre- fermentation maceration phase designed to exalt the typical aroma of the varietal. The long maceration process, aimed at strengthening the ageing capacity, is followed by at least 18 months of ageing, ideally in 600-litre demi-muid containers. The assemblage and a light filtration process are followed by bottling, the wine resting in the bottles for at least 8 months before being marketed.