L’ALBERELLO
THE WINE IS DEDICATED TO THE FIRST VINEYARD CULTIVATED WITH THE ALBERELLO SYSTEM IN BOLGHERI. THIS PLANTING SYSTEM, CALLED "SETTONCE," FEATURES EQUIDISTANT PLANTING THAT ALLOWS EACH VINE TO RECEIVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF SUNLIGHT AND COVER AN EQUAL PORTION OF THE SOIL.
The Alberello method was born as a response to extreme heat and drought conditions, as this training system is more resilient under similar circumstances. The specific arrangement of the vines allows Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes to be harvested simultaneously, creating a true blend. Co-fermentation of the two grape varieties imparts particular balsamic and spicy notes, which then gain depth and breadth with aging in barriques for up to 18 months.
Vintage 2021
THE 2021 VINTAGE WINES ARE MARKED BY SUPERB CONCENTRATION AND ELOQUENT EXPRESSIVENESS. ALBERELLO DISPLAYS ITS CHARACTERISTIC NOTES OF PUNGENT BALSAM, SEDUCTIVE PALATE AND FULL, RICH BODY, WHILE ITS SMOOTH, RIPE TANNINS CONTINUE INTO A NEAR-ENDLESS FINISH.
The Climate
Following a rather wet spring and a hot, dry summer, a sun-filled September encouraged a well-balanced ripening of the berries, with good concentrations, thick, crisp skins, and pronounced tannins. Harvest began on 20 September, with quality-selection of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc clusters.
Vinification
This wine is a tribute to the ancient head-pruned, alberello vine-training system, first introduced in 2004 to the Grattamacco growing area, with impressive results. The primary objective of using this method was to give the vines increased tolerance of high temperatures and dry conditions. The vineyard is organically cultivated and harvested exclusively by hand; the yield averages 1kg of grapes per vine. The two Cabernets are picked together at the same time; fermentation of the blend starts spontaneously, and continues with lengthy macerations. Alberello matured 18 months in small oak barrels and was bottled on 7 July 2023.
Luca Marrone, Chief Winemaker
Composition
70% Cabernet Sauvignon
30% Cabernet Franc
Appearance
Intense ruby red
Alcohol
14.5%
