Ripaforte Toscana Rosso IGT Ghiaccio Forte 2018

Ripaforte Toscana IGT Rosso is the premium release from Tenuta Ghiaccio Forte and is a quite brilliant blend of Petit Verdot (98%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%). Ripaforte is produced from a small vineyard located on a hilltop above the Albegna River valley in southern Scansano. The rolling hills in this region allow a great degree of exposure to sunlight, while the proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea guarantees a mild microclimate. The diurnal temperature range is noteworthy and contributes to the grapes reaching optimal ripeness.

Planted in 1999, the vineyard for Ripaforte was chosen for its unique position 200 meters above sea level, which offers protection from the north and excellent southern exposure. The vineyard sits on dense gravel soils with clay and silt from marine deposits dating back to the Pliocene Epoch. The Petit Verdot vines have exceptional leaf cover and flower early allowing a long window to perfectly ripen. The low yields and careful selection, followed by aging in small French oak barrels, result in a wine with concentrated, powerful aromas and depth. The wine expresses itself with dark chocolate and cherry jam, flinty mineral elements which carry the wine forward. Notes of sage, incense and lilac combine in a noble, structured and refined coastal red wine.

Ghiaccio Forte, situated in Scansano in the province of Grosseto, was purchased by top Brunello producer Castello Romitorio in 1999. The vineyards sit in a barren landscape which lies just 25km from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a unique microclimate of altitude, southwest exposed vineyards, volcanic soils and a maritime influence which combine to create a unique expression of Sangiovese which offers superb value when compared to wines from some of the other Maremma regions.