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€140,22
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Vintage:
2008
Denomination:
Tuscany
Grape variety:
cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese
Origin:
Italy, Tuscany
Alcohol:
14%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
18°
When to drink:
Dinner, Meditation, Business dinner
Type:
Red Wine
Taste:
powerful and harmonious, with fine tannins and a long finish
Flavorings:
ripe dark fruit, spices, tobacco, vanilla
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa?
The Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa is one of the symbols of the so-called “Super Tuscans,” full-bodied Tuscan red wines of great character and complexity. It originates in the heart of the Chianti Senese, from vineyards located between 250 and 320 meters above sea level, with a south and southeast exposure that favors perfect grape ripening. The result is a full-bodied red, structured and harmonious, capable of combining elegance and power.
The grapes used come from vineyards with an average age of between 15 and 20 years. The combination of the Castell’in Villa territory and the winery's productive expertise yields a wine that is part of the Tuscan elite for its longevity and refinement.
Vintage Details
The 2008 vintage in Tuscany is remembered for its balanced climate, characterized by a not excessively hot summer and daily temperature swings that favored the perfect aromatic ripening of the grapes. The harvest, strictly manual, allowed only the best bunches to be selected, ensuring healthy fruits rich in aromas. This contributed to the creation of a particularly fine vintage, with an excellent balance between structure and freshness.
Winemaking and Aging
The vinification of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa involves alcoholic fermentation in steel tanks for about 12-14 days, at a controlled temperature (28-30°C), using indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended maceration to extract color and aromatic substances.
Aging then takes place in wood for 12-24 months: partly in French Allier oak barriques (about 50% new) and partly in large Slavonian oak barrels. Once bottled, without filtration, the wine rests for a further eight months in the cellar, thus completing a long maturation process that enhances its complexity and depth.
Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, the Santacroce 2008 presents an intense ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of elegant evolution and long aging.
Nose
On the nose, it is deep and complex: it releases aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, and plum, enriched by spicy notes, hints of tobacco, leather, and delicate balsamic nuances. With aeration, hints of vanilla and cocoa emerge, typical of its time in quality wood.
Palate
On the palate, it is structured and decisive, with dense yet elegant tannins and a masterful balance between freshness and softness. The finish is long and harmonious, leaving a savory and slightly spicy aftertaste. It is a wine that impresses with its substance and longevity, perfectly representative of the Tuscan territory from which it comes.
What dishes to pair with Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa
This important red wine finds its best pairings with flavorful and richly structured dishes. Ideal suggestions include:
- Grilled or roasted red meats
- Braised and stewed beef or wild boar
- Aged hard cheeses
- Typical Tuscan dishes such as ribollita or pappardelle with hare ragu
Thanks to its complexity, the Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa is also a perfect meditation wine, to be enjoyed in good company or during a special evening.
Storage and Aging: how to store Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa wine
To best preserve the characteristics of Santacroce 2008, it is recommended to store it in a cool environment (around 12-14°C), away from direct light and temperature fluctuations, placing the bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist.
It is a wine with excellent aging potential: it can happily evolve in the bottle for 15-20 years, developing tertiary aromas of remarkable finesse and complexity over time. Opening it today already offers emotions, but a further wait will certainly be rewarded with an even deeper and more harmonious bouquet.
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 best open and serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening, position the bottle of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows the natural sediments of aged wines to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing during pouring. If the bottle has been stored horizontally in the cellar, handle it gently to avoid disturbing the residues.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The recommended serving temperature for Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa is approximately 18°C. If the wine is too warm, the alcohol will overpower the aromas; if it's too cold, the aromas and flavor nuances will be dulled. To reach the optimal temperature:
- Bring the bottle to a temperature-controlled environment about an hour before serving.
- Alternatively, immerse it for a few minutes in an ice bucket if the room is particularly warm.
3. Opening the bottle
To correctly open this esteemed vintage, use a double-lever corkscrew or a blade-type model for more fragile corks. Proceed as follows:
- Carefully cut the foil below the neck ring.
- Clean the rim of the bottle neck.
- Slowly insert the corkscrew's worm, avoiding piercing the cork completely.
- Extract the cork with controlled movements to prevent breakage or residues in the wine.
If the cork appears fragile or cracked, consider using a blade corkscrew to prevent damage.
4. Inspection and initial tasting
After opening, observe the cork: it should have a clean aroma consistent with that of the wine. Pour a small amount into a glass and check that the color is clear and brilliant, with garnet reflections typical of aged reds. On the first taste, check for any cork taint (musty or corky smell). If everything is normal, proceed with decanting.
5. Decanting and aeration
Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa greatly benefits from decanting. Perform this operation by slowly pouring the wine into a wide carafe, avoiding disturbing the sediments. Aeration aims to open up complex aromas and soften any residual tannins. It is recommended to:
- Decant for 60–90 minutes before serving.
- Monitor the wine's evolution in the decanter, tasting at regular intervals to catch the ideal moment of aromatic opening.
6. Serving
To properly serve Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa:
- Use large red wine glasses, tulip-shaped or balloon glasses, which allow for good aeration.
- Gently pour a moderate amount to avoid altering the wine's temperature in the glass.
- Pair with substantial dishes such as red meats, game, or aged cheeses to enhance its complexity and elegance.
7. Storage after opening
Once opened, Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa should be stored carefully. Follow these simple rules:
- Recork the bottle with the original cork or a specific non-oxidizing wine stopper.
- Store it in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator or at cellar temperature (12–14°C).
- Consume within 2–3 days to maintain its aromatic and gustatory quality.
By following these steps, you will be able to fully appreciate the depth, structure, and elegance of Toscana Rosso IGT 'Santacroce' 2008 - Castell’in Villa, a great Tuscan wine that embodies the best balance between tradition and longevity.
