MODUS 2005

TOSCANA IGT

VINTAGE

2005

VARIETALS

50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

VINEYARDS

Place of production: from the vineyards of the Poggio Casciano Estate and from other selected vineyards of the Ruffino estates in Tuscany.

Soil: Hilly land with poor, not very profound, somewhat clayey soil, rich in skeleton.

Microclimate: Variable, but generally with a good day-night temperature swing, especially during summer which favours an optimal maturation process of the grapes.

Altitude: 290 - 350 meters above sea level

Exposition: Variable, in order to confer complexity and richness of aromas to the wine.

Growing system: Cordon trained

Vine density: 3300-5000 plants/hectare

Age of vineyards: Most of the Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot used come from vineyards with a modern growing system while the older vineyards date back to the mid 70's.

VINIFICATION AND AGEING  

Harvest: Only the best grapes, selected during harvest, are used in the production of the wine Modus.

The picking started with the Merlot on mid-September, followed by the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon later the same month.

Yield of grapes per hectare: 6 tons.

Fermentation: The alcohol fermentation, aided by racking and punching down, took place separately for the 3 varietals in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 28°C for 2 weeks.

The post-fermentative maceration on the skins continued for another 14 days.

Ageing: After completing the malo-lactic fermentation the 3 varietals were aged for approx. 12 months in 1st and 2nd passage French 225 liter oak casks from Allier and Troncais, initially separately and then after being blended together.

After a brief rest in stainless-steel vats, Modus 2005 was then bottled and further refined for 6 months minimum.

Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.

SENSORY PROPERTIES

Colour: Ruby red with garnet hues.

Aroma: Very complex and inviting with intense mature fruit (cherries, small red and black berries, plums) accompanied by hints of spices, sweet tobacco, toasted wood, and refined ethereal notes on the finish.

Tasting profile: Full-bodied and very well-balanced with a perfect union of the Sangiovese, the Merlot, and the Cabernet. Each grape adds distinct varietal traits to the taste. The impressive amount of silky tannins and the full, fruity character contribute to the rich texture and the aromatic persistence is long lingering with hints of vanilla and small red berries.

First Vintage: 1997