Cinquecento Sangiovese 2023

Story

'Five Hundred'. Named in reference to the magnificent five-hundred-metre-long rows from which this sangiovese is picked.

Tasting Note

Red cherry, dried strawberry and raspberry mesh with ground allspice, dried oregano and green peppercorn. Textures of terracotta and clay dust sit in hand with subtle yet crunchy acidity, supportive of the wine’s tannin structure and fruitful core. An amazing and intriguing wine which will benefit from decanting in it’s youth to ensure maximum varietal expression and enjoyment.

Vinification

Crushed and destemmed, fermented in two tonne open fermenters at temperatures between 20 and 24°C, with twice daily pump overs. Hand plunging was also implemented at the peak of ferment to assist extraction and add an extra textural dimension to the wine. After ferment the wine was pressed to 75% seasoned French and 25% seasoned American oak. Natural malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel, following which the wine was racked, sulphured and returned to oak to complete its 14 months maturation. A light filtration was carried out prior to bottling, and no finings were used.

Vineyard

Lopresti Lot 11 Vineyard - Flour Mill Road, Whites Valley, McLaren Vale. 

The fruit for this Sangiovese comes from a single five hundred metre long row from the Lopresti family vineyards. Located at the southern end of McLaren Vale between Sellicks Hill and Willunga on the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. These vineyards are a mix between Ngaltinga & Christies Beach Formation with north-south orientation. The rich, heavy clay loam soils and warm summer days produce a more deeply coloured, full flavoured wine with soft, silky tannins.