The goal of Pier Luigi Tolaini was to produce a great wine without compromise in the style of the distinguished Bordeaux Châteaux. Picconero is produced only in the best vintages. The name Picconero comes from Picco which is the Italian word for ""peak"" and nero, the Italian word for black, which Italians use historically to refer to red wine. Vinification: Grapes are first selected during harvest in the vineyard and then by an optical sorter when they arrive at the winery; they are destemmed and the whole berries are immediately placed in French oak fermenters. Fermentation is temperature-controlled, and the must is kept in contact with the skins for 30 days. The wine is put in 100% new, open top French barriques where we perform soft manual punch down. Maturation: The wine ages in 100% new French barriques for 18 months, of which 6 months are on the fine lees. The wine is then bottled and rests another 12 months before shipping. Grape varieties: 100% Merlot Altitude: 320-380m ASL Exposure: West/Southwest Soil: Lime and clay, with a considerable presence of gravel-sized stones Tasting notes: Rich, concentrated and muscular, yet wonderfully balanced with big tannins and deep tiers of cherry, plums and wild berries, and nuances of spice, vanilla and licorice. A long flavorful aftertaste echoes with juicy fruit and mouthwatering tannins for minutes afterwards. Sensual and young, this wine promises a long life in the bottle.
