The 2016 vintage benefited from particularly favorable conditions in Bolgheri, with a mild and sufficiently rainy winter to replenish soil water reserves. After a regular spring, the hot and dry summer caused slight water stress, while cool nights helped preserve the balance and aromatic potential of Cabernet Franc. The harvest, exclusively manual, took place from September 20 to 27, followed by a meticulous selection of the berries. After gentle crushing, the grapes underwent a cold pre-fermentation maceration before the start of alcoholic fermentation. The wine was then transferred to new French oak barrels, where it completed its malolactic fermentation before aging for eighteen months. Only the best barrels were selected for the final blend, followed by an additional twelve months of bottle aging before release. This precise work allowed preserving all the vintage's intensity without sacrificing the tannic finesse that distinguishes the great expressions of Cabernet Franc.
Matarocchio 2016 shows a deep purple color, announcing a wine of remarkable concentration. The nose unfolds aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and small black berries, accompanied by hints of cocoa, roasted coffee, and exotic spices. Aeration gradually reveals notes of tobacco, graphite, and fine aromatic herbs, adding depth to the whole. On the palate, the attack is broad and enveloping, with generous body supported by particularly silky tannins. Despite its richness, the wine maintains remarkable tension, which extends the tasting and highlights the precision of its aromatic expression. The long and persistent finish prolongs the black fruits and spices, suggesting considerable aging potential. A roasted herb lamb square, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, roasted pigeon, or black truffle risotto will accompany its depth, while a few additional years in the cellar will allow fully appreciating its evolution.
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
