2003 VINTAGE REPORT
CHIANTI
September 27, 2003
The Vineyards of Tenuta di Trecciano
* 22 acres of Sangiovese, 8 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon , 4 acres of Merlot and 2 acres of Syrah
* Most vines planted in 1996, several acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2001.
* Soil Composition: argil, mixed with rocks and clay with a high component of iron. The soil is the red color typical of the area — terra di Siena
* 2003 production: 56 tons
* No irrigation
* No chemical fertilization
Tenuta di Trecciano is located in Sovicille, a small town outside of Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Colli Senesi region. Conditions during the 2003 growing season: no rain, 100 degrees during the day and about 60 degrees during the night. The Sangiovese grapes were harvested at the end of August. The Cabernet Sauvignon was to be harvested on the following Monday. In August, the winemaker Marco Rosati, clipped 20% to 25% of the heat damaged grapes. The first fermentation was underway during our visit.
Tasting notes on future releases:
Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2001: Excellent. Aroma of violets and tar. On the palate the wine has good balance and a complex, smooth finish. Production: 1,000 cases(12 bottles per case).
Chianti Colli Senesi 2002: Aromas of raspberries and violets with hints of spice. On the palate there is a delicious grapy flavor and a medium to full body. Considering the overall poor quality of the 2002 vintage, this is an easy-to-drink wine. Production: 2,000(12 bottles per case).
Cabernet Sauvignon 2001: Aromas of currants and blueberries. On the palate the wine has terrific concentration of fruit and excellent balance. Production: 500 cases(12 bottles per case).
Campacci 2001 (50% Merlot-50% Sangiovese): Aromas of black pepper, and cinnamon. On the palate the wine is complex with a good finish. Production: 500 cases(12 bottles per case).
Daniello 2000 (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Sangiovese): Aromas of wild berries. Jammy on the palate. Good balance with a very long finish. Production: 500 cases(12 bottles per case).
FRIULI
The Vineyards of Ronco del Gnemiz
September 28, 2003
After the tasting we drove Northeast to Friuli to meet with Serena Palazzolo, owner of Ronco del Gnemiz winery in San Giovanni al Natisone.
Colli Orientale Vinyards
* 35 acres of Chardonnay Pinot Grigio, Tocai and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Schioppettino
* Vines are 8 to 25 years old
* 2003 production: 2 tons per acre
* Soil Composition: argil, marl, chalk and rocks
* 300 feet above sea level, southwest exposure
* No irrigation
* No chemical fertilization
The white grapes were harvested August 15 –22. The red grapes from the end of August to the beginning of September, except the Cabernet Sauvignon which was harvested on September 18. Conditions during the 2003 growing season: no rain, 100 degrees during the day and about 50 degrees during the night. All the grapes suffered in the heat. In particular, it created over maturity in the Chardonnay, causing the sugar level to be unusually high. This in turn created a 17% alcohol level after the first fermentation. The winemaker dumped the entire vintage. The reds had a low yield but immense concentrations of fruit.
Tasting Notes, Base Wines:
Tocai Friulano 2003 Exceptional. Aromas of apricots. The wine was two weeks old when we tasted it. It will have excellent longevity. Extraordinary for a baby wine. Expected production: 350 cases (12 bottles per case).
Chardonnay 2003 There will be no Chardonnay available of this vintage
Sauvignon 2003 Outstanding. Grassy aromas. After the grapes were picked, they were stored in refrigerated containers to keep their flavor. Expected production: 350 cases(12 bottles per case).
Pinot Grigio 2003 Exceptional. Aroma of green apples. After the grapes were picked, they were stored in refrigerated containers to keep their flavor. Will be one of this winery’s best Pinot Grigios ever. Expected production: 2,000 cases(12 bottles per case).
Merlot 2003 Aromas of hazelnuts and almonds. After the grapes were picked, they were stored in refrigerated containers to keep their flavor. Expected production: 400 cases(6 bottles per case).
Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Too early to judge but overall the quality is expected to be as massively muscular as is the Ronco del Gnemiz style. This wine will be used for the Rosso del Gnemiz blend. Expected production of the Rosso del Gnemiz: 400 cases (6 bottles per case).
MARIANO DEL FRIULI
The Vineyards of Masut da Rive
September 28, 2003
* 45 acres of Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Tocai, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Nero
* Vines are 23 to 56 years old
* 2003 production: 1.5 tons per acre
* Soil Composition: argil, mixed with marl and chalk.
* 125 feet above sea level, southeast exposure
* No irrigation
* No chemical fertilization
Masut da Rive means Tommaso in salita (Tomasso on the rise). We met with Fabrizio Gallo the winemaker, his father Silvano and his brother Marco. Conditions during the 2003 growing season: no rain, 100 degrees during the day and about 50 degrees during the night. The winery lost 30% of their crop from the heat. Most of grapes were harvested on September 16, 2003. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested after we left Friuli. A little bit of Malbeck grapes were found in the vineyard along with a few 18 years old vines.
Tasting Notes Base wine
Pinot Grigio 2003 Aromas of green apples. On the palate the wine was quite full of extract and has a good future. Total expected production: 1,000 cases (12 bottles per case)
Pinot Bianco 2003 Creamy aromas of pineapple. On the palate, full-bodied white wine that has a potential of becoming one of the best Pinot Biancos on the market today. Total expected production: 350 cases (12 bottles per case).
Chardonnay 2003 Aromas of pears. On the palate, very concentrated and full-structured. Total production expected to be: 275 cases (12 bottles per case).
All the wine was fermenting in temperature control stainless steel thanks prior to our arrival. They were also using a new computer-controlled presser for a small portion of the production to test the quality. These base wines show a good future after their initial fermentation period.
Red wines 2003
All the wines were fermenting as well. The verdict after tasting all the base wines: expect a great vintage for Masut da Rive.