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€184,80
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Vintage:
2003
Denomination:
Tuscany
Grape variety:
cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese
Origin:
Italy, Tuscany
Alcohol:
13.5%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
18°
When to drink:
Dinner, Meditation, Business dinner
Type:
Red Wine
Taste:
full, elegant and persistent, with soft tannins and a long balsamic finish
Flavorings:
ripe red fruit, spices, tobacco, liquorice
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa?
The Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa is a superb example of Tuscan wine that combines power and finesse. It is a Super Tuscan produced by Castell’in Villa, a historic winery in the heart of Chianti. It is made from a skillful blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese as the main protagonists, sourced from vineyards with an average age of 15 to 20 years, located between 250 and 320 meters above sea level, with sunny south and southeast exposures. The result is a full-bodied, structured wine with great personality, capable of conveying the most authentic essence of Tuscany.
Details of the vintage
The 2003 vintage is remembered for its high temperatures and scarce rainfall, factors that led to an early harvest and particularly rich and mature grapes. The Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 stands out for its aromatic concentration and remarkable power, balanced by an elegant freshness that has ensured its harmonious evolution over the years.
Vinification and aging
Alcoholic fermentation, lasting approximately 12-14 days, takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks (28-30°C) with indigenous yeasts, naturally present on the grapes. After maceration, the wine matures for 12-24 months in fine wood: half in Allier French oak barriques (50% new) and half in large Slavonian oak barrels. It is not filtered before bottling and rests for another 8 months in the bottle before release, thus achieving a complex and mature balance.
Tasting notes
The Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa embodies the refinement and strength of Tuscany. Each stage of the tasting reveals new nuances and invites you to discover its evolution in the glass.
Color
Visually, it presents an intense ruby red tending towards garnet, a sign of its age and maturity. The brilliance of the color highlights its still surprising vitality.
Nose
The bouquet is deep and complex: aromas of ripe red fruits, notes of cassis and kirsch cherry emerge, alongside balsamic nuances, sweet spices, and light toasty notes from the wood. With aeration, earthy hints and a touch of fine tobacco develop, amplifying its complexity.
Palate
On the palate, it is structured and soft, with velvety, perfectly integrated tannins and a long-lasting finish. The full body is balanced by a lively acidity that provides rhythm and cleanliness. The deep and harmonious finish leaves a pleasant trace of black fruit and bitter cocoa.
What dishes to pair with Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa
This wine pairs splendidly with rich and flavorful dishes. It is ideal for accompanying:
- Grilled red meats or braised beef
- Game or roasted meats with aromatic herbs
- Aged cheeses and Tuscan pecorino cheeses
- Dishes based on truffles or porcini mushrooms
Also perfect as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed slowly to appreciate its every evolving nuance.
Storage and aging: how to store Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa
To best enhance its characteristics, the Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 should be stored in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be laid horizontally so that the cork maintains proper humidity and ensures a perfect seal.
Despite its age, this wine still has excellent potential for long aging. If well preserved, it will continue to develop complexity for several years, evolving towards more ethereal and refined notes. A true investment for those who love great Tuscan reds of character and tradition.
Castell'in Villa
The history of the Castell'in Villa winery The Castell'in Villa winery is an authentic gem in the heart of Tuscany, with a history intertwined with the region's rich winemaking traditions. Founded in the 1960s, the winery has become synonymous with heritage and innovation. While honoring traditio...
How to open and best serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa
1. Bottle positioning
To fully enjoy the qualities of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa, it is important to handle the bottle with care. If it has been lying in the cellar for a long time, place it upright at least 24 hours before opening. This allows any natural sediments, typical of aged wine, to settle at the bottom.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The perfect temperature to taste Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa is between 18 and 20°C. If the wine is too cold, the aromas will be muted; if it is too warm, the alcohol may overpower the scents. You can bring it to the right temperature by letting it rest at room temperature for about half an hour before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a wine that is over twenty years old requires delicacy:
- Cut the capsule cleanly below the ring.
- Wipe the neck of the bottle with a cloth.
- Use a lever corkscrew or a double-blade corkscrew (ideal for fragile or dry corks).
- Slowly extract the cork to avoid breaking it.
4. Inspection and first taste
Once opened, observe the cork: it should have a natural aroma of mature wine, free from mold notes. Pour a small amount into the glass and evaluate the color and bouquet. Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa may show garnet reflections and evolved aromas of leather, tobacco, and fruit in spirits.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
For a wine of this vintage, decanting is essential. Slowly pour the content into a decanter, leaving any sediment in the bottle.
Let it oxygenate for 45-60 minutes before serving. This process helps the wine express the complexity of its aromas and soften any residual tannic notes.
6. Serving
Serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa in large red wine glasses to enhance the perception of aromas.
- Fill the glass only one-third full.
- Slowly swirl the glass to release the aromas.
- Pair the wine with substantial dishes such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with its cork or with a specific vacuum stopper. Store Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2003 - Castell’in Villa in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator, and consume it within 24-48 hours to maintain its quality.
