LUPICAIA 2016
Name: I.G.T. Rosso Toscana (Lupicaia)
Manufacturer: Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana,Vittorio Piozzo di
Rosignano Rossi di Medelana
First Vintage: 1993
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Analytical data: Grado Alcolico: 14,50%
Type of land: The soils are rich in iron minerals with the presence of
stones and fossils. The vineyards overlook the Mediterranean and benefit
from a unique reflection of the sun, a moderate breeze from the coast and
the abundance of sunlight, which promotes a unique ripening.
Breeding system: Spurred Cordon
Plant density: 3,600 vines/hectare for old vineyards; 5,600 vines/hectare
for the new vineyards
Climatic trend: 2016 was certainly one of the most standard vintages of
the last decade. Rainfall has timely satisfied the needs of the vines:
abundant to regular rain in March, May and June, and consistent rain at
the end of July, followed by a warm and sunny August and September.
The temperature was ideal: a mild end of winter, which was initially
concerning, turned into a cool spring. The development of the bunches
stabilized with the pleasantly warm summer, with significant temperature
excursions. The growth of the bunches was consistent and led to a very
good production, perfect aging.
Harvest period: Harvest is done by hand for the Petit Verdot and
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes starting in mid September. After a first
selection in the vineyard, the Lupicaia grapes are carefully selected a
second time on the sorting table once in the cellar.
Winemaking notes: After being harvested by hand, the grapes are gently
de-stemmed and pressed, with particular attention to conserving the skin
of the berries. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in open cap stainless
steel tanks at a controlled temperature with maceration of the grapes for
about 20 days. Daily draining allows for the perfect extraction of the
aromatic bouquet and the right tannic balance, with important structure
that will allow a long aging.
Aging: Aging takes place in French oak barrels for a period of about 22
months followed by a further one in the bottle before it' s marketed.