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Al passo
A small, circular forest tops the tallest hill on the Tolaini Estate. This unique forest is known as al passo where centuries ago local landlords hunted using trained birds as decoys to lure the prey into the passage (passo). Today this hill still offers magical, breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside and sunsets over the towers of Siena.
Named for this unqiue forest, Al Passo is the most traditional of the Tolaini Estate wines in that Sangiovese, the backbone of modern Chianti, is the major grape in the blend. Al Passo is also a modern wine, a Tuscan blend that showcases the natural affinity of Sangiovese and Merlot. The wine exhibits an intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruits and spicy oak that leads to a balanced medium-bodied palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity. While Al Passo drinks well upon release, it has potential for several years of bottle development.
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Al passo
Grapes
Sangiovese 85%, Merlot 15%
Area of production
Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Soil
Lime and clay with a considerable presence of gravel size stones
Vineyard technique
Vine age: Plantings completed in spring 2000
Plant density: 6,900-11,000 plants per hectare
Yield: 60 qt./ha
Production: 30,000 bottles (2006); 80,000 bottles (2007)
Winemaking: Grapes are firstly selected during harvest in the vineyard and then on the sorting table when they arrive to the winery; they are destemmed and the whole berries are immediately put into stainless steel fermentation tanks and a portion into French oak fermenters.
Alcoholic fermentation: The temperature is computer controlled in the tanks where the must is kept in contact with the skins for about 20-25 days where remontage occurs every 6-8 hours and one delestage is done per week.
Malolactic fermentation: French oak fermenting tanks and in French oak barriques (20% new and 80% used one year)
Maturation: On fine lees for 6 months in barriques and oak fermenters, 8 months in barriques (20% new)
Aging: 12 months in bottle
Technical data
Alcohol: 13.60%
Total acidity: 5.70 g/l
Sugar: 1.6 g/l
pH: 3.48
Tasting notes
Spicy notes of French oak rise above distinct aromas of cherry and berry. The palate has a backbone of Sangiovese, a roundness of Merlot and enhanced body from the oak. The fruit purity and varietal signatures are testament to the meticulous care given to the young vines. Note: Some sediment may occur in the bottom of the bottle as the wine is not filtered
