VIVIA

Cateogory Maremma Toscana DOC (controlled appellation)

Vintage 2015

Blend 50% Vermentino, 40% Viognier, 10% Ansonica

Climate The 2015 vintage was characterized by a winter with abundant precipitation which assisted in creating important reserves of rainwater in the ground; a mild spring was followed by a warm and dry summer with temperatures above seasonal averages. Rains and a lowering of temperatures during the second half of August re-created optimal conditions for the vines. There were no problems of healthy development, and the vineyard continued to ripen the grapes in an excellent fashion, accumulating the typical aromatic substances of the different grapes varieties.

Fermentation and Aging The varieties were fermented separately, and a small percentage of Viognier and Ansonica were harvested late in order to give the wine notes of warmth and ripeness. The grapes, at the moment of their arrival in the cellars, were given a soft pressing and the must chilled to a constant temperature of 50° Fahrenheit (10° centigrade) for 24 hours in order to favor a natural static settling of the impurities. The clean must went into stainless steel fermenting tanks, where it fermented at a temperature of 61° Fahrenheit (16° centigrade). A brief three month aging period in stainless steel tanks on the fine lees preceded bottling.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Historical data The Le Mortelle estate was once part of a larger property which already appeared on the maps of Tuscan Grand Duke Leopold II in the mid-19th century. The estate is located in the province of Grosseto, in the heart of the lower Maremma, approximately 5.5 miles from the town of Castiglione della Pescaia. It extends over 675 total acres (270 hectares), 410 of which are planted to vines., principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese in addition to the more recent parcels of such white grape varieties as Vermentino, Ansonica, and Viognier. The property was acquired by the Antinori family in 1999, convinced as it was that the area had a very important potential for the production of fine wine. Mortella is the name of wild myrrh, a plant widely present on the Tuscan coast and now the symbol of the estate. The new cellars of le Mortelle are largely underground in order to reduce to the maximum extent their impact on the environment. They were built to take advantage of the temperature-stabilizing properties of the rocks below ground, a choice inspired by a maximum respect for the natural balance of the site and its preservation: energy-savings are produced by the possibility of moving the wine by gravity flow, the water utilized in the cellar is purified by plants and then goes back into the local surroundings, and the energy utilized for operations is derived solely from renewable sources. The estate is open by appointment for guided visits with tastings; in addition, the wines and seasonal fruit can be purchased in the store on the premises.

Tasting Notes The wine is intensely fruity in character with notes of ripe pears which fuse both with those of citrus fruit and delicate hints of white flowers. The palate is creamy, vibrant, and savory with an aromatic finish which recalls Mediterranean herbs and lemons.