Antinori Estates
Conte della Vipera
2023
About this winery
The Antinori family has been in the wine business since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners in 1385 - more than 26 generations ago. Throughout the company's long history it has remained family owned and operated, and today it is directed by Marchese Piero Antinori. Though Antinori has played an important role in preserving Italy's enological traditions it is also one of Italy's most dynamic and visionary producers of fine wines, with estates concentrated in the...
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Product notes
The vineyards selected to be utilized for the Conte della Vipera are located at an altitude between 825 and 1050 feet (250-350 meters) above sea level on soils rich in marine fossils. The wine takes its name from first proprietors of the Castello della Sala, and the label shows the 13th century Saint John’s Chapel (the Cappella d San Giovanni) situated on the estate. The first vintage of Conte della Vipera to be produced was the 1997.
Production notes
Grape clusters were hand harvested and immediately brought to the cellar where they were cooled down on a refrigerated conveyor system lowering the temperature of the berries before pressing therefore preserving characteristic varietal aromas. Each grape variety was fermented separately. After a gentle pressing, the must was kept at a controlled temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) for several hours to facilitate natural clarification, then transferred to stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature that did not exceed 16 °C (61 °F). Once this phase was complete, the wine was kept at a controlled temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) to prevent malolactic fermentation and perfectly preserve organoleptic qualities. Fresh, vertical and slightly aromatic Sauvignon was blended with soft, tropical Sèmillon, one grape variety completing the other.
Tasting notes
Conte della Vipera 2019 is straw yellow with light greenish and golden hues. Its nose opens with intense notes of white flowers that blend with aromas of grapefruits, figs and ginger. On the palate it’s fresh, vibrant and savory with nuances of citron peel, aromatic herbs and elderflowers.