Bacco Estate, Il Principe 2022

Description

BLEND
82% SANGIOVESE & 18% CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Technical Analysis
Alc: 13.39% | pH: 3.61 | TA: 5.37 g/l | RS: 3.2 g/l

IN THE VINEYARD
This wine is part of our premium range and precision viticulture is necessary to produce this standard of quality. 2022 is the first year we harvested Sangiovese for red wine production. The site on which it grows is slightly sandier than other blocks meaning we need to keep a close eye on the vineyards for signs of stress (as there is less water retention in these soils). Careful crop selection is applied throughout the growing season to ensure the vines are in an optimal state of balance. The soil of the Cabernet Sauvignon block has scattered deposits of quartz and ferricrete (locally known as koffieklip) and grows on shallow sandy topsoils with clay subsoils. As a result we get great concentration in the fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon follows a meticulous viticultural management programme which includes dropping any grapes bunches that are underripe, and cutting out any green berries within bunches. Typically these blocks yield between 6-8 tons/ha

IN THE CELLAR
All bunches follow our standard processing protocol of double sorting by hand: first whole-bunch sorting, followed by de-stemming, then berry sorting. The grapes were then gently crushed, just to perforate the skin and release some juice. The grapes were cold soaked in the stainless-steel tank for 5 days to extract colour and flavour before undergoing alcoholic fermentation. During the fermentation period, pump-overs are done 2-3 times a day depending on the progress of fermentation. This ensures a healthy fermentation, as well as aids in extraction of flavour and colour. Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine is drained and the remaining solids are pressed – these fractions are transferred into French oak barrels, but kept separately.

IN THE BOTTLE
Nose: Red cherries, sour plum, sun-dried tomato, oregano
Palate: Soft and delicate on the palate with a contrasting intensity of concentration. The wine leads with vibrant red fruit and finishes with a refined tannin structure. The finish is long and continues to develop.
Body: Medium – medium plus
Suggested ageing: 8-10+ years

Additional information