Santa Ema Rivalta Red 2017 750 ML

The 2017 harvest was one of the earliest in the past deCade and began at least three weeks earlier than usual due to a dry spring and a very hot summer. Yields were lower than expected, but of excellent quality with very healthy, aromatic, and highly concentrated grapes. The wines from this vintage will be remembered for their tremendous complexity, volume, and well-rounded texture. vinification The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts over the course of 6 days at temperatures ranging from 79 to 84F (26 to 29C), followed by a twoweek post-fermentation maceration. Once the malolactic fermentation was complete, the different components of the blend were aged separately for 15 months in first-use French oak barrels. The wine was rigorously controlled and tasting throughout its evolution in the barrel and only the best lots were selected for the final *Limited Production* blend. Once blended, the wine was returned to the barrels for another 5 months to achieve greater harmony as it aged. The finished wine was then fined and gently bottled.