Type:    red Grape:    85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot Maturation:    1 year in oak (20% in barrique) Food:    all-around food wine, from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese Winemaker:    Franco Bernabei

General

MONTE ANTICO IGT:
The blend, albeit varying slightly depending on vintage conditions, is 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot.
The best selections are blended and aged 1 year in oak (80% in Slavonian barrels, 20% in barrique) and at least 6 months in the bottle, achieving a graceful balance of voluptuous berry tones and flexible yet sturdy backbone.
Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate – round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese. Moreover, the Empsons’ judicious pricing policy makes it “consistently one of Italy’s better values”.
In other words: food-friendly, pocket-friendly, all-around simpatico.

Vineyard Characteristics

From a selection of Tuscany’s finest vineyard sites. Terrain includes compact, v. fine-textured limestone, at an altitude of 1,312-1,476 feet; rocky, clayey/calcareous areas, also at altitudes around 1,350 feet; and clayey/siliceous/calcareous soil, at an

Vinification and Aging

Vinification: Soft-pressed; racked into stainless steel tanks
Fermentation: At approx. 25°C (77°F), followed by maceration for 15-20 days
Malolactic Fermentation: In stainless steel vats for 7 days
Élevage: 1 yr in oak (80% Slavonian barrels, 20% Frenc

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby color w/garnet hues; elegant bouquet: leather, black cherries, licorice + plums; medium to full palate where ripe red fruit, goût de terroir, subtle notes of vanilla + violets harmonize and linger, interlacing w/the soft tannins + silky texture. Firm backbone, ideal balance.

Photos

	Monte Antico barrique cellar	In the vineyard

News

Reviews

PDF	88 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 2004	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	0	MSNBC.com	Vintage: 2004	Printable Version
PDF	88 points	winereviewonline	Vintage: 2003	Printable Version
PDF	87 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 2003	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	86 points	Wine Enthusiast	Vintage: 2003	Printable Version
PDF	86 points	Wine Spectator	Vintage: 2003	Printable Version
PDF	0	Washington Post	Vintage: 2003	Printable Version
PDF	88 points	Wine Spectator	Vintage: 2001	Printable Version
PDF	0	Washington Post	Vintage: 2001	Printable Version
PDF	88 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 2000	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF		Restaurant Wine	Vintage: 2000	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	0	Wine Spectator	Vintage: 2000	Printable Version
PDF	86 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 1999	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	86 points	Wine Spectator	Vintage: 1999	Printable Version
PDF	88 points	Tastings.com	Vintage: 1998	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	86 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 1998	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF		NY Times	Vintage: 1998	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF		Restaurant Wine	Vintage: 1998	[ Request the full Review ]
PDF	87 points	Rober Parker's Wine Advocate	Vintage: 1997	[ Request the full Review ]