Cortona Rosso Achelo 2022
Achelo red wine is produced with Syrah grapes plus a small contribution of Merlot and other grape varieties in the large Braccesca Estate owned by the Marchesi Antinori. Achelo is a modern wine, it is intense, soft, fruity and spicy, very versatile in food pairing thanks to its balance. Syrah, a French grape originally from the Rhone Valley, has found a particularly favorable habitat in Cortona (Tuscany). The extension of the DOC Cortona represents the vineyard area of Tuscany furthest from the sea, it enjoys a continental climate and above all a lot of sunlight. Summers in particular are hot and the proximity of Lake Trasimeno partly influences the microclimate of the vineyards. The clay of the soil contributes to the flavor intensity of the wine.
The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed and the must is subjected to a cold pre-fermentation maceration. This favors the extraction of color and flavor compounds, but not of tannins. Subsequently the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature with maceration of 10 days. After racking the wine ages for 70% in used barriques and 30% in steel for a period of less than one year.