This Riserva was reintroduced starting in 2010, almost 20 years after its last release in 1992. We took that break because over the past 26 years, we have been progressively reselecting and replanting our historic vineyards. We had focused on clonal selections, the diverse expressiveness of Sangiovese in relation to soil and climate variations, and the possibility of combining the characteristics of Sangiovese with other international varietals. In 2010, however, we noted increased complexity and structure in the grapes from the first replanting of native vines, which convinced us to reintroduce the Vino Nobile Riserva from native grapes, just as we did in the 1970s and 1980s.

Soil characteristics
This is the historic core of the Poderi Boscarelli vineyards in Cervognano. These vineyards are planted on calcareous, alluvial, sandy soils with a good percentage of silt, clay, and minerals, as well as rich in stony texture that varies depending on the location. The average planting density is currently 6,500 vines per hectare.

Grape Type and Selection
The wine is produced with selected grapes from vineyards at least 20 years old, which confer greater complexity and excellent aging potential. The grape varieties that contribute to the composition of Vino Nobile Riserva are primarily Sangiovese and Prugnolo Gentile, with a small amount of Colorino.

Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in crates; after destemming and gentle pressing, they are fermented in oak vats filled to no more than two-thirds of their capacity. Native yeasts are used during the fermentation process, which lasts approximately 10 days at controlled temperatures between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Manual pumping over and punching down of the cap are performed. Maceration, if necessary, continues for another 5-8 days after fermentation.

Aging
The Riserva ages in Slavonian or French oak barrels with a capacity ranging from 5 to 25 hl. Malolactic fermentation lends elegance and finesse to this wine. Maturation lasts 28 to 32 months. Before being released for sale, the wine ages in bottle for several months.

Optimal Maturity
Our Riserva has the aging potential of several decades, while the optimal maturation period we recommend varies, depending on the vintage, from the fifth to the tenth year after harvest.