We have already talked about the wines of Principe Corsini in two previous posts dedicated to the Villa Le Corti estate ZAC’s Vertical Wine Tasting: Principe Corsine’s Signature Firm and Elegant Sangiovese and Don Tommaso, Another Discovery by Principe Corsini, but the 2023 edition of Vinitaly was the opportunity to get to know two significant red wines from the Tuscan Coast produced in the Marsiliana estate.
Tenuta Marsiliana is located in Manciano, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, where the company produces wines with international influence. After extensive ampelographic experimentation to identify the vines that could best reflect the characteristics of the terroir, 20 hectares of vineyards were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot varieties.
The vineyards are at sea level and have a southern aspect. The soil is predominantly sandy with silt and clay which guarantee perfect balance between drainage and water storage for the vines. The plants are approximately 22 years old and are trained using spurred cordon at a planting density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The vineyards follow the dictates of organic farming and the wines produced have also obtained the Vegan Quality certification.
Here is a summary of the characteristics of the grapes used for making the wines tasted:
Cabernet Sauvignon: this is a black grape variety that needs “warm” soil to reach full ripeness. Its berries are small with thick skin with high tannins. To the Bordeaux wine style blends, it contributes aromas of violet, blackcurrant, black cherry and menthol or herbaceous notes, medium alcohol and high acidity and tannins.
Merlot: this is a mid ripening black grape variety that can ripen fully on “cool” soils. It is characterised by a large berry size. It can reach higher sugar levels and therefore higher potential alcohol levels than Cabernet Sauvignon. To the Bordeaux wine style blends, it contributes aromas of strawberry and red plum with herbaceous flavours in cooler years, cooked blackberry, black plum in hot vintages, with medium tannins and medium to high alcohol levels.
Petit Verdot: this is a black grape variety that needs to be grown in the warmest areas to get full ripeness. To the Bordeaux wine style blends, it contributes a deep colour, spicy notes and high tannins. It is typically up to a maximum of 5% of the blends.
Birillo – I.G.T. Costa Toscana Rosso – 2020
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
The fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats at a maximum of 30°C for 14 days. The vats are open to: facilitate the development of the yeast population in the early fermentation phases; facilitate access to the cap for punching down; help release the heat generated by the fermentation process. The wine ages for 12 months in used barriques.
- Look: deep ruby.
- Smell: medium (+) aroma intensity of violet, red cherry, black cherry, red plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, thyme, laurel, vanilla, chocolate, and herbal hints.
- Taste: dry, medium (+) acidity, high alcohol, medium (+) body, medium (+) flavour intensity, medium (+) finish.
- Pairing: lamb with juniper and pumpkin.
Marsiliana – I.G.T. Costa Toscana Rosso – 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot e Petit Verdot
The wine is made from the selection of the best grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the producer’s vineyards. The vinification takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at a maximum temeperature of 28°C for 16 days. The vats are open to: facilitate the development of the yeast population in the early fermentation phases; facilitate access to the cap for punching down; help release the heat generated by the fermentation process. The wine ages for 15 months in tonneaux of which 50% are new and 50% are used. This is followed by 12 months in the bottle.
- Look: deep ruby.
- Smell: pronounced aroma intensity of violet, red cherry, black cherry, black plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, thyme, laurel, vanilla, cloves, black pepper, chocolate, coffee and herbal hints.
- Taste: dry, high acidity, high alcohol, full body, pronounced flavour intensity, long finish, suitable for bottle ageing.
- Pairing: pappardelle with wild boar ragout.
Producer: Principe Corsini