Introducing: Aurelio

Come into focus...... 

The picture above, from the Val delle Rose estate in the Morellino di Scansano territory, is an apt metaphor for the personality of today's topic.   What started as a blur, a specter of what was to come, indeed a phantom lurking in the shadows, with time was revealed to be in wonderful focus.

At Val delle Rose, tradition meets innovation.  We published our first article in this series on the winery about a week ago; focusing on its wonderful Vermentino, Litorale.  Today, we are introducing you to Val delle Rose's newest creation, Aurelio.

~ A Sea of Vineyards on the Val delle Rose estate ~

The Maremma is the vast coastal area of Tuscany that essentially begins at Massa Marittima and extends past Grosseto and Scansano to the Lazio border and the Mediterranean Sea. Often regarded as somewhat of a wild, untamed region replete with briar patches, pines, horses, cattle and the famed Buttera (Cowboys) the Maremma's climate, which is very similar to that of Bordeaux, has been discovered by winemakers as an optimal place to cultivate the classic Bordelaise varieties.

~ As this map illustrates, the Maremma is also a prime destination for Golf ~

Today we're focusing on Aurelio, a wonderful Merlot based wine that marks its debut from the 2013 vintage.   

The 2013 Val delle Rose Aurelio is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.  The name comes from the winding, scenic Tuscan road that parallels the coast of Tuscany in this region.  We decanted the wine for an hour prior to dinner and it was very necessary. As I mentioned at the outset of this article, what was hazy, with time came into focus.  

In the glass, the wine is a vibrant deep purple color that is almost opaque.  Gorgeous to look at.  Initially, the aromas were muted, but by dinner black plums, spices, rosemary and lavender were all easily noticed and very attractive.  On the palate, what was an austere, rather reserved wine initially blossomed with aeration to reveal black plums, vanilla, fresh herbs and dusty mineral notes that are all backed by a velvet like structure.  Fresh and lively with balanced acidity, this has plenty of life ahead of it and I believe, lots more to offer.  

Vinified in stainless steel, Aurelio is aged for 12 months in French barrique and 6 months in bottle prior to release.  Have patience with this and I think we will all be rewarded.  93+ points.

~ Aurelio, the new wine from Val delle Rose, is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc ~

Salute!