Caprili 2013: New Release Rosso

~ Sunlight floods the "Madre" Vineyard on the Caprili Estate ~

The Caprili estate spreads over an area of 58 hectares in the southwest territory of Montalcino on hillsides that slope toward the Orcia and Ombrone rivers.  Founded only in 1965 by Alfo Bartolommei it's become some of the best terroir in the zone.

Of the total property, 16 hectares are covered with vines dedicated to the cultivation of Sangiovese Grosso used to produce Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.  Although the estate is comprised of several plit specific vineyards, current winemaker Giacomo Bartolommei sources the fruit for today's wine from the Testucchiaia Vineyard.   Production techniques are updated for modern technology but rooted in tradition at Caprili.  Giacomo was one of my earliest interviewees here at TuscanVines.  We are presently working on updating that discussion.  

Recently, with a rare grilled london broil, we popped the cork on the newest release from the Caprili stable;  the 2013 Rosso di Montalcino.   2013 does not have the decadent aromatics of its sibling vintage, 2012 - but many of the examples I tasted at Benvenuto Brunello were worthy successors.  This is another.

The 2013 is 100% Sangiovese Grosso that is fermented in stainless steel tanks and macerated for about 3 weeks.  At that time, the wine is transferred to Slavonian Botte for 12 months before a brief maturation in bottle prior to release. 

The 2013 is bright violet with effusive aromas of crushed berry, fresh pipe tobacco and herbs.  Everything is crisp and lively and seems to lift effortlessly from the glass.  On the palate, this young wine is more reserved, but still presents flavors of wild berry, tobacco, spice and minerality.  It's very tasty now, but will be even better in about a year.  The future is bright indeed for Caprili.   More on this winery coming in the next few weeks.  88 points.  About $20-$25 retail.  Disclosure:  This bottle was a producer provided sample.

~ It's hard to imagine a better pairing for this than alongside grilled meat ~

Salute!