The Drink shop sell some lovely wine from Tenuta Di Biserno,

Tenuta Di Biserno, at TheDrinkShop

Tenuta Di Biserno, Tuscany

Lodovico Antinori first visited Tenuta di Biserno in 1994, when he considered incorporating it into his Bolgheri estate, Ornellaia. However, the geological character of the vineyards was so distinct, that Lodovico elected to make Tenuta di Biserno a stand alone project.

After selling Tenuta di Ornellaia in 2002, Lodovico teamed up with his brother Piero and the landowner Umberto Mannoni in order to establish Tenuta di Biserno. This is the first time that the two brothers have worked together on a project, making it a milestone in the Antinori family history, and something that would have delighted their father Marquis Niccolò. The pedigree and success of each brother is borne out by each having made a wine that has won the Wine Spectator’s Best Wine of the Year: Piero for his Solaia 1997 and Lodovico for his Ornellaia 1998.

Location

Tenuta di Biserno is located in southern Tuscany’s Upper Maremma, in the hills of Bibbona, a wine village to the north of and bordering Bolgheri. “The vineyards of Bibbona and Bolgheri meet each other, reminding me of Saint Emilion and Pomerol,” comments Lodovico.

The Maremma

Part of the historically wild landscape of the Maremma has been relatively recently tamed by winemakers. Now vineyards intersperse the wild, rugged terrain. The Maremma is split into three winemaking regions: Upper, Middle and Lower Maremma and Tenuta di Biserno is located in the Upper Maremma. The whole area is heavily influenced by its proximity to the sea.

Tenuta di Biserno

When Lodovico Antinori first came to the estate in 1994, he was at struck by the similarity in terroir compared to that of Ornellaia. However, Tenuta di Biserno has far more hillside slopes and a great many stones in the vineyards. The soil is silt and alluvial sand, with sand/limestone and Bolgheri conglomerate, together with blue Pliocene clay. These combine to produce a soil which is a complex mixture, rich in minerals and vine-growing properties.

The Cellar & Vineyards

The state-of-the-art winery has been designed by world-famous architect Gae Aulenti. Building is expected to commence in the next two years.

Approximately 90 hectares are planted, with Cabernet Franc growing particularly well in this area, which is what led Lodovico Antinori to putting more focus on this grape variety than he did in the past, passionately believing in the quality of wine that Cabernet Franc can produce here. Syrah is becoming more important to the estate, being very well suited to the terroir and providing the peppery character that Lodovico wishes to impart to Insoglio del Cinghiale.

TENUTA DI BISERNO - Il Pino di Biserno 2006


Grape Variety: 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot.
ABV: 14.5%
Viticulture: The harvest was carried out using crates of 15 kilograms, and all work, including pruning and thinning prior to the harvest, was done manually.
Wine Making: After an initial selection of grapes in the vineyards, a second selection was carried out in the cellar on a sorting belt. The grapes were then de-stemmed and lightly pressed. Fermentation followed in stainless steel tanks for roughly 20 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in new barriques (50%) and stainless steel tanks. The wine was then aged in barriques for 12 months.
Colour: Deep, bright ruby red.
Nose: Intense with a complex mix of dark berries, spices and subtle oak.
Palate: The concentration of fruit with fine, ripe tannins, which lends balance and structure, make this a harmonious wine with great mid palate and an elegant and long finish.

On Special Offer - Was £35.38 - Now £31.06

TENUTA DI BISERNO - Insoglio del Cinghiale 2007


Grape Variety: 35% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
ABV: 14%
Viticulture: The grapes were harvested by hand and collected in small baskets with a capacity of 15 kilograms.
Wine Making: Careful de-stemming followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Roughly 50% of the production was aged in barriques for approximately 6 months.
Colour: Intense ruby red with purple reflections.
Nose: Intensely fruity with a hint of spicy oak.
Palate: A balanced and harmonious wine with rich fruit and a good backbone of fine tannins. It is a pleasant wine that will gain in complexity with another few months in the bottle.

On Special Offer - Was £18.78 - Now £16.41