In the mid-1970s, while the debate around whether or not international vines could be legitimately grown in central Tuscany was raging, Fabrizio Bianchi decided to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the Il Mulino vineyard. The first harvest was produced in 1982, resulting in a wine that serves as a unique expression of the local area. Its name is inspired by the famous saying “Nemo propheta in patria” – no man is a prophet in his own land – a fitting description of the winery’s cutting-edge and pioneering spirit in those days.
Designation
I.G.T. Toscana Rosso
First year of production
1982
Grape varieties
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Training system
Spurred cordon
Vinification
In temperature-controlled truncated conical steel vats with emptying system (Délestage) and pumping over for about 20/22 days.
Maturazione o invecchiamento
In new French oak barriques for about 18 months
Ageing
Two years of bottle aging
Climate trend
2017 was one of the driest years of the last decades. The first months of the year were variable with some rainfall only at the end of February and March. Some late frosts occurred after that, but from May onwards there was little rainfall and temperatures were always above the seasonal average. There were often high heat spikes in July and August. Only during the first days in September did some rainfall occur, not a lot, but sufficient to stop the heat that had been straining the vines for a long time and to successfully finish the grape ripening process. In order to confront these unusual weather conditions, it was essential to focus on vineyard management and experience in the winemaking process in order to obtain healthy grapes. Despite the significant decrease in production, the 2017 wines are pleasantly surprising in terms of quality. The colour gives a wonderful impression because in general it conveys a very interesting, lively and deep intensity. The aromas are also enjoyable, they are intense, varied with important fruity notes. Tannins are generally mature and smooth in the mouth but with great acidity and minerality which distinguish the Sangiovese grown on Galestro soil. Overall, despite the warm harvest, all the 2017 wines produced at Castello di Monsanto have the potential to improve with age.