Winemaker Notes
Il Bosco, which is 100% Syrah, comes from grapes harvested from the estate's hillside vineyards. These vineyards, planted between 1988 and 1995, have a density of more than 7,000 vines per hectare. The yield per hectare is typically only 5.5 tons of grapes (only 2.2 tons per acre). This low yield per vine is reached by means of a green harvest (pruning of clusters) at the end of July, which allows a wine with high concentration, deep fruity tones, and notes of pepper and spice. At the end of the malolactic fermentation, which takes place in barrel, the wine remains in oak for twelve months (six months in new oak barrels and six months in 1-year-old oak barrels).
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Intense licorice, blackberry, mineral, sandalwood and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with silky, superpolished tannins that turn to a butterscotch, toffee, berry and chocolate aftertaste, which has just a hint of meat and spice. Tannic and powerful, yet balanced. Best after 2012. 1,335 cases made.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The estate’s 2006 Cortona Syrah Il Bosco is a beautiful, deep wine endowed with notable clarity and precision. Blueberry jam, spices, earthiness and subtle toasted oak emerge gently from this articulate, elegant wine. Today, the 2006 Il Bosco is still quite vibrant, but in time it should acquire greater varietal complexity. It is a terrific effort from D’Alessandro. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.