Wine Details

La Spinetta Sassontino Riserva Toscana IGT

The Sassontino is a pure expression of Sangiovese from 45-year-old vines, allowed to age slowly at the winery for a full ten years before its release to market. This is an incredibly fine and elegant illustration of the quintessential Tuscan grape with red and blue berry aromas followed by crushed rocks, balsam herb and licorice. The vineyard site is characterized by loose, sandy soils with a notable presence of ocean sediments, contributing to the aromatic purity and finesse of the final result. Rich and dense, a delightful vibrancy gives this Riserva a gracefulness that will continue to evolve for many years.

Region:

Producer:

La Spinetta Tuscany

Classification:

Toscana Sangiovese IGT

Variety:

100% Sangiovese

Number of bottles produced:

6,000 bottles

Production area:

Casanova, Terricciola, Tuscany, south exposure

Altitude:

200 meters (656 feet) a.s.l.

Age of vines:

45 years

Yield:

2,000 bottles/ha

Vinification:

Maceration and alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled vats for an average period of 10 days. Malolactic fermentation done in French oak barrels, of which 80% new and the remaining second passage, followed by 24 months of aging.

Refining:

Bottle aging for at least 100 months

Alcohol content:

14%

Acidity:

5.7 g/L

Soil:

Calcareous, containing ocean sediments

Time of harvest:

Middle of September

Harvest:

Manual

Recent press reviews

92

La Spinetta Sassontino Riserva Toscana IGT 2011

James Suckling (92)- "Solid, nicely aged sangiovese with dark fruit, walnuts and hints of leather and moist earth on the nose. Broad and velvety on the palate, with a medium body and smooth, well-integrated tannins. Supple, chocolatey finish. Drink now."

93

La Spinetta Sassontino Riserva Toscana IGT 2009

Wine Advocate (93)- "Packaged in a heavy glass bottle, this wine is held back and released at least 10 years after the harvest. The 2009 Sassontino offers good balance and ultimately tastes fresher compared to the other late-releases from this producer that I tasted at the same time. You get a good sense of dark fruit with dried blackberry and plum that is nicely fleshed out by spice, tobacco and tar. I also feel that this wine, made with Sangiovese from 50-year-old vines, has more complexity and aging potential."

92

La Spinetta Sassontino Riserva Toscana IGT 2009

James Suckling (92)- "Lovely old wine with spices, cedar and cherry on the nose and palate. Medium body. Creamy and polished tannins and a crisp finish. Drink now."