The "Sotto Casa" Riserva has been produced since vintage 2011 and it's the natural development of the Boscarelli Vino Nobile Riserva "black label", with the idea of harmonizing the elegance, character and freshness of Sangiovese, with the tannic texture, the structure and the fullness of two international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This Vino Nobile is a cru, so the grapes come only from an historical vineyard - "Sotto Casa".

Drinking window: The potential ageing of this Riserva is a few decades, but the optimum maturation period recommended varies, depending on the vintages, from five to ten years after harvest.

Soil type: The vineyard is planted on red clayey soil of alluvial origin. The average density is 6000 plants per hectare.

Grape variety: The blend composition of the Riserva is Sangiovese and little percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The grapes are selected and harvested in order to maximize the features of each variety.

Vinification: The different varieties are picked separately, and after destemming and soft pressing, the grapes are fermented separately, using indigenous yeasts, in oak vats filled to no more than two thirds of their capacity. The alcoholic fermentation lasts about 12 days at a controlled temperature between 26 and 29 degrees. During the vinification they carry out manual pumping over of the must and punching down of the skins. Maceration continues, if needed, for another 5/8 days after fermentation.

Ageing: Each cuvée ages separately in Slavonian or French oak casks, where also the malolactic fermentation happens, the capacity ranges from 2.25 to 25 hl depend on the variety. The ageing lasts between 28 and 32 months. The final blend is done at the end of the ageing process. They age the wine in the bottle for at least 6 months before releasing it.

"Black cherry, bark, cedar and orange peel aromas follow through to a medium body with juicy tannins that give a crunchy and lightly chewy texture. Some orange peel with cherry and berry undertones. Needs another two or three years to soften, but it’s already impressive and finely structured."
95 points. James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (May 2024)