Santa Pia is produced from a 15-hectare (37 acres) vineyard in an area called Santa Pia, located on the ridges just below the town of Montepulciano. This particular area has sandy loamy soils rich in rocky deposits known as “scheletro” that allow the Antinori’s to create an elegant yet traditional expression of the Sangiovese grape that reflects the characteristics of this historic winemaking area. The first vintage to be produced was 2001.
The estate’s name comes from the historical farm that once stood there, owned by the Count of Bracci, whose coat of arms appears on the estate’s logo; an arm covered with armor brandishing a sword. Marchesi Antinori acquired the estate in 1990.
The property extends over an area of 508 hectares (1255 acres) and the vineyards cover an area of 340 hectares (840 acres) divided into two blocks: the first is 366 hectares (904 acres) of which 237 (585 acres) are planted with vineyards and is located on the border between the cities of Montepulciano and Cortona. The other block is 142 hectares (350 acres) of which 103 (254 acres) are planted with vineyards, it extends all the way to Montepulciano encompassing three of the most famous parcels of land known for the production of great red wines: Cervognano, Santa Pia and Gracciano.
Soil: Sandy loam rich in very fine gravel.
Maceration on the skins lasted for 20 days using delicate mechanical techniques to extract soft supple tannins. Once malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was transferred to 500 liter tonneaux for barrel aging that lasted for approximately 12 months. The wine was then aged in bottles for an additional 20 months before being released for sale.
Vigneto Santa Pia 2018 is ruby red in color. The nose opens with notes of ripe red fruit and black pepper and is accompanied by sweet sensations of vanilla. Refined, elegant and well-balanced on the palate, Vigneto Santa Pia’s tannins are supple and are sustained by exceptional freshness. Aromas of ripe fruit and vanilla echo on the finish.
