Merlot 'San Leopoldo' La Casaccia di Franceschi 2023

Merlot 'San Leopoldo' is a soft and full-bodied Tuscan red wine produced by the family-run La Casaccia di Franceschi. Merlot is one of the international varieties cultivated by the Franceschi family on their estates in Cinigiano, on the western slopes of Monte Amiata, where the influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea is very pronounced. In fact, the constant ventilation allows the health of the grapes to be preserved, while the significant temperature swings between day and night allow a considerable quantity of aromatic precursors to accumulate inside the grapes. The objective of the winery, which already owns 7 hectares in the Montalcino district, is therefore to highlight the area's vocation also towards the cultivation of international vines.

The Casaccia di Franceschi 'San Leopoldo' Merlot originates from only grapes of the variety of the same name grown within the municipality of Cinigiano on Cretaceous soils rich in clay and fine marly limestone, located at an altitude of 340 metres above sea level. Following the harvest, which is carried out entirely by hand, the grapes are selected by means of an optical selector and are then mellowed in stainless steel tanks for a 20-day spontaneous alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature, associated with the use of the submerged cap extraction technique. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in stainless steel, after which the wine is aged in American oak barriques for a period of 12 months.i.

Merlot La Casaccia di Franceschi 'San Leopoldo' has a dark ruby red colour with purple highlights. The nose has fine notes of black cherry, plum and blackberry, accompanied by sweet hints of vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon from the wood. The palate reveals an excellent balance between sweetness and freshness, with ripe tannins contributing to a rich, flavoursome progression.