Contrada C 2008
Viticulturally, the 2008 vintage started in 2007 when vines had reached the end of the November harvest unstressed from a tempered year and ready to enter the winter’s rest well nourished. There was then good hydration from repeated snowfalls on the mountain, and the hot three months of July, August and September were not able to stress the plants enough to halt the quick development through the growing and ripening stages. Some tiredness due to the dried-out soils came in October, but rains were already on the horizon and brought water in just the right quantity. They made the year a great vintage, with us picking continuously from the 23rd to the end of the month. 2008 is the first year we decided to bottle this Contrada separately.
Vineyard age: 80 years
Vineyard density: 8,000 vines per Ha
Vineyard altitude: 550 m a.s.l.
Yield per hectare: 20 Hl/Ha
Fertilization: None
Spraying: Clay, propolis, sulphur, copper, grapefruit seed extract
Harvest: 23-31 October
Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats for 10 days
Aging: Malolactic fermentation followed by 18 months aging in large, neutral oak barrels
REVIEWS
93 points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2008 Passopisciaro Contrada Chiappemacine is rich, dense and powerful in its dark red fruit. This is a more muscular, overtly fruit driven style than the Rampante. The intensity carries through to the long, powerful finish where persistent minerally notes add a dimension of clarity and freshness. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024”