First made in 1998, it takes its name from a wild plant that grows abundantly on the estate, Cornelian cherry or cornus mas. This wine strongly represents the vision of its creator, with an eye to the valorization of the territory and to innovation achieved through traditions that evolve. The base of the wine is Sangiovese – from clones from the oldest vineyard on the estate, Vigna dell’Impero, which was planted by Amedeo, Duke of Savoy-Aosta in 1935. This historic variety was grafted in vineyards with stony soils rich in marl. Only the best Sangiovese grapes are selected, which make up the majority of the wine. A small quantity of Merlot is added, which gives smoothness, immediacy, and color to the wine.

93 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2022 vintage
94 Points
jamessuckling.com
2022 vintage
Harvest Note
The Tuscan winter was again mild with little rain, with cold peaks in February. With pruning finished, April saw a prolongation of low temperatures with heavy rains, causing the budding of the vines to be delayed until late May. The vegetative resumption was sharp and decisive, with plants growing in balance under the May sun. Flowering developed the first week of June, resulting in small fruit set, which shortly thereafter took shape, becoming clusters of the new production. The summer was hot and intense, only one rain in June, but the constant ventilation created the ideal microclimate for the grapes, which, after veraison and color change, reached maturity in September. Merlot has experienced an intense season, rapidly developing the productive shoots, and the swelling of the berries, showing good productivity, regulated through the thinning of the grapes. Each parcel of Merlot has expressed its personality, with remarkable peaks in quality. The Sangiovese, despite the prolonged exposure to temperatures, has enjoyed the protection of its foliage, shaped to shade and create a warm and dry microclimate, favorable to temperature variations, which will give quality and value to the grapes.
Tasting Note
Intense ruby red color. Delicate floral notes of violet and enticing orange peel meet with a hint of sweet spices. Elegant and enveloping, with juicy tannins and great vivacity. Notable purity and drinkability.
Food Pairing
Fine meats, game noble, braised red meats
Technical Data
GRAPES: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
APPELLATION: Toscana IGT
PH: 3.56
ACIDITY: 4.99 g/L
ABV: 14.00%
AGING: 12-14 months in small barrels, 6 months in bottle prior to release
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: yes
Unique Selling Points
  • A Super Tuscan–style wine made from majority Sangiovese
  • Matured for 12 to 18 months in French oak

About the Grape

Sangiovese
Sangiovese has aromas of black cherries with alluring wood, smoke, tar and herbal notes. The best wines made from this grape have incredible complexity, depth, finesse and power.
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
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