YOUNGS MARKET® Tenuta Sette Ponti Toscana – 6043403845791

Notes from the Winemaker:
Intense aromas of leather and tobacco, along with notes of wildflowers such as Violet (typical aroma of Sangiovese) and fresh fruit like blackcurrant, strawberry, cherry, raspberry and blueberry. The tannins in the mouth are present but silky and velvety. Power and roundness complete a savory, mineral and endless finish.

Among Tuscany’s oldest vineyards, Impero Vineyard (meaning “Empire’s Vineyard”) was planted in 1935 by His Royal Highness the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy. Terraces hammered out of marly limestone on a steep slope in the middle of the estate make up this famed vineyard. The soil is a mix of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, that gives a spectacular minerality to the Sangiovese grapes grown here. The approximately 7 acres of vineyards are situated at an altitude of 919 – 984 feet with excellent sun exposure and beneficial breezes. Diurnal temperature variation helps to develop the finest aromas, elegant and complex. To highlight this very special terroir, vinification begins with a very soft and long maceration (one month) to extract the polyphenols that give greater tannins and anthocyanins. To soften the tannins, but without being too invasive and without changing the original perfumes, the wine is aged in large barrels for 24 months and in bottle for several months. The wine is not filtered, to preserve all typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese.

Technical Data:
GRAPES: 100% Sangiovese
APPELLATION: Central Tuscany DOC
ABV: 13.5%

97 Points – James Suckling:
“Very aromatic with subtle tea-leaf, underbrush, dried-cherry and flower character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely acidity to this. Long and thoughtful wine. All about length and beauty. Pure old-vine sangiovese. Better in 2019.” – (Nov 2016)

94 Points – Vinous:
“The 2013 Vigna dell’Impero emerges from a Sangiovese vineyard originally planted in 1935 by King Vittorio Emanuele. Ample and intense, while still maintaining a good deal of Sangiovese translucence, the 2013 exudes richness and pedigree. A host of sweet red cherry, licorice, tobacco and anise build into the succulent, deeply expressive finish. Readers should expect an intense, full-bodied expression of Sangiovese. 2017-2028.

This is a commendable set of new releases from Sette Ponti and proprietor Antonio Moretti. The two 2014s in this tasting are both quite good, but the new 100% Sangiovese Vigna dell’Impero is the star of the show. As always, the Sette Ponti wines are made in a style that seeks opulence and fruit intensity. When all the elements are in balance, the wines can be quite appealing.” -Antonio Galloni (7/16)

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“This is the second edition of this new wine from Tenuta Sette Ponti. The 2013 Valdarno di Sopra Vigna dell’Impero is a gorgeous expression of Sangiovese that shows the wild and slightly rustic personality of the Valdarno di Sopra appellation. Only 6,700 bottles were produced. The bouquet delivers smooth integration and lots of varietal character with wild berry, spice, wet earth and underbrush. I am impressed. The 2013 vintage offers a very smooth and silky approach with medium build and good persistence.” – Monica Larner (May 2017)