La Calonica Vin Santo di Montepulciano 1998
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Since 1972, the vineyard has been the property of the Cattani family who personally supervise the production and sale of the wine. The area of Valiano has special characteristic which come from the influence of Lake Trasimeno which guarantees mild winters and summers that are not too dry. This permits the vines to have a regular vegetative cycle.
The vineyards are for the most part planted with "Sangiovese di Montepulciano" (Prugnolo Gentile) "Canaiolo Nero", and some white grape varieties such as, "Sauvignon", "La Malvasia del Chianti" and "Il Grechetto" complete the patrimony of the vineyard of La Calonica.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
This significant Tuscan village—not to be confused with the red grape of the same name widely grown in Abruzzo and the Marche regions—was home to one of the first four Italian DOCGs granted in 1980.
Based on the Sangiovese grape (here called Prugnolo Gentile), the village’s prized wine called Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ranks stylistically in between Chianti Classico, for its finesse, and Brunello di Montalcino for its power. With a deep ruby color, heavy concentration and a firm structure given by the village's heavy, cool clay soils, most Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will demand some bottle age.