Villa Puccini Toscana IGT Sangiovese Merlot 2016 (Italy)

Winemaking Notes

Exporters of wine since 1903, the Castellani family have founded their high-quality wines on the belief that the quality of the wine starts in the vineyard. For the past 25 years, the family has worked hard to refine the soil types and microclimates that enhance their "great Tuscan vines", investing in research and new technologies to ensure the Castellani name continues to be associated with "memorable wines". Following the old traditional vinification method, the 2016 Villa Puccini Sangiovese Merlot Toscana saw completely mature grapes harvested from the vineyards and crushed immediately. Afterwards the grapes are poured into large stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The primary fermentation evolves at a controlled temperature of 27-28°C for a certain period of time. When the primary fermentation is perfect, the wine is filtered and stored at a constant temperature in oak casks and small barriques for at least six months before being released. This traditional approach, combined with modern temperature control and careful oak ageing, results in a wine with a characteristic bouquet filled with vanilla and fruit scents, gentle and harmonious on the palate with flavours of cherries and plums and a lightly oaked finish. The blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot showcases the Castellani family's expertise in crafting memorable Tuscan wines.

Vintage Conditions

The 2016 vintage in Toscana provided excellent conditions for Sangiovese and Merlot production, resulting in wines with concentrated fruit character and well-balanced structure. The growing season benefited from favourable weather patterns, with the Castellani family's refined soil types and microclimates that enhance their "great Tuscan vines" contributing to optimal ripening conditions. The completely mature grapes harvested from the vineyards developed rich flavours of cherries and plums whilst maintaining the natural acidity essential for gentle, harmonious wines. The investment in research and new technologies over the past 25 years, combined with the family's belief that the quality of the wine starts in the vineyard, ensured that only the finest fruit was selected for the 2016 Villa Puccini Sangiovese Merlot. The 2016 vintage has proven to be an exceptional year for Tuscan wines, with wines showing excellent development after a decade of ageing. This vintage is drinking beautifully now, displaying a bright ruby red colour with a characteristic bouquet filled with vanilla and fruit scents. The gentle and harmonious palate with flavours of cherries and plums and a lightly oaked finish demonstrates why the Castellani family name continues to be associated with "memorable wines" since 1903. The traditional vinification method combined with modern techniques has resulted in a Toscana IGT that perfectly captures the essence of Tuscan winemaking.