Tageto 2021

TOSCANA RED
Indicazione Geografica Tipica
GRAPE VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
TASTING NOTES
Tageto is made from grapes from the vineyards of Donna Olimpia 1898 located in Bolgheri (LI) one of Italy's most iconic wine-growing areas, growing on sandy loamy soil on the coastal strip of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 2021 harvest was tricky and characterised everywhere in the area by strong contrasts, making the phenomenon of climate change that now characterises seasonal trends more concrete and tangible. The great capacity of the vines to respond, aided by the resilience of the great terroirs, made it possible to cushion the climatic extremes and to channel them by creating conditions that were indeed limiting, but at the same time free of suffering. It is precisely from these premises that great wines can be born. In fact, in this situation of atmospheric criticality, soil and microclimate are always fundamental in minimising the negative impact and often yielding great wines. As far as the soil element is concerned, the presence of blue clay, which is capable of accumulating water reserves in the depth of the soil, was decisive. This avoided excessive stress on the vines and made it possible to overcome the summer drought. The microclimate, characterised by sea breezes and mild temperatures, mitigated the problem of spring frosts, while in summer, it provided the necessary ventilation to overcome the excessive heat. The harvest, without a drop of rain from the first to the last day, began on 30 August, when the grapes were fully ripe. They were selected directly in the vineyard and then taken to the cellar for vinification. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel wine vats, favouring prolonged contact of the skins with the must. Malolactic fermentation takes place at the end of September, immediately after alcoholic fermentation. Ageing is for 4-6 months in French oak barrels (50% new, 50% one year old) and 6 months in bottle. Intense ruby-garnet colour with clear violet reflections; clean, broad nose with notes of small red fruits, pepper, chocolate and liquorice; very harmonious taste with a good structure and a very persistent, sweet finish. The first sensation of this 2021 vintage is that it will be, for the entire range of wines produced by Donna Olimpia 1898, a vintage of great style.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
According to legend, the Etruscan people, who occupied the Tuscan lands, learned from a mysterious child named Tageto, born from the furrow of the plow used by Tarconte, the way of cultivating the vine and the olive tree.