Rosato
I.G.T. Toscana
“Produced exclusively in the 2016 vintage!”
A fresh and fruity bright rosé wine made by Sangiovese and Merlot grapes from the youngest vineyards of Castello di Gabbiano estate.
Vintage conditions
In Italy, 2024 was characterised by heavy rainfall in the Centre-North and drought in the South. While Northern Italy and the islands recorded a loss of production due to disease (excess rain and humidity) or drought, Central Italy recorded more abundant harvests due to a more regular climate. In Tuscany, the spring rains created some health problems, but at the same time provided the necessary water reserves to cope with the strong summer heat. In general, production was abundant. The harvest period was characterised by strong variability, which conditioned the ripening of the grapes. The harvest of white grapes began as early as mid-August. September was very rainy and caused serious difficulties in planning the harvest, which was managed according to the degree of ripeness of the grapes, although the condition of the soil affected the management of the harvest. Definitely a very different vintage than the previous ones, low alcohol and very high acidity are a peculiar aspect of the vintage, resulting in a Sangiovese that goes back to its roots: light body with bright fruit and very long taste. Very good Merlot, with good concentration and great balance carried by a freshness not seen in recent years. Cabernet suffered from the September rains that brought a strong dilution of the matrix in the berries and a strong slowdown in phenolic ripening.
After a fairly mild winter with little rainfall, spring started slowly, with slightly lower than average temperatures, which delayed vegetative regeneration. May throughout until mid-June extremely rainy. The season was characterized by heavy pressure from Peronospora, caused by weather conditions that also made it difficult to enter the field and work to protect the vines. Downy mildew damage with production losses in Tuscany averaging 30% (damage spread throughout Italy, France and Spain). A record heat in July, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, but thanks to vineyard operations we were able to protect the clusters from the high temperatures, and the vineyards did not suffer from drought. The entire harvest period with no rain and very high temperatures, even above 25°C throughout October. In this vintage we have wines with medium structure and good flavour profiles. Good quality of tannins, although full phenolic maturity was not achieved in all vineyards.
