AVIGNONESI - Grifi 1985
Avignonesi is located in the Montepulciano region of southern Tuscany, Italy. It was created in 1974 and is named after the original founders of the estate, the Avignonesi family. Acquired by Virginie Saverys (born in Belgium) in 2009, ithas grown in size and at the same time has become a leader in biodynamic viticulture in Italy. To date, the estate has grown to 170 hectares of vineyards including the purchase of a state-of-the-art winemaking facility in the Montepulciano appellation. Avignonesi has nine vineyards: eight in Montepulciano and one in the small commune of Cortona, which is a little way to the northeast of Montepulciano. The rolling hills and diverse soil types in the various vineyards means that the winemaker Matteo Giustiniani has a wide range of grapes to choose from when making the wines. Avignonesi isrecognised for its innovative research, experimentation and quality of the wines, including the prestigious Vin Santo. The estate also makes an olive oil and a Grappa.
Grifi is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The two varieties are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks with the use of indigenous yeasts. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration on the skins lasted up to 20 days, depending on the wine lots. The malolactic conversion was completed in wooden casks. Ageing lasted 18 months in 225-litres French barriques for 85% and in large Slavonian cask, only for the Sangiovese.
Grape varieties: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon