'Liano' Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicone IGT, Umberto Cesari, Emilia Romagna

Producer Note

For Umberto Cesari, producing good wine in Emilia Romagna is a family tradition. It is here that Umberto and his wife Giuliana started their company in 1965, when they bought 20 hectares of land in the hills. Their ambition was to turn Sangiovese into a great wine, reflecting the typicity of the area. The winery has continually expanded and today the estate extends over 100 hectares divided into distinct vineyards; La Casetta, Parolino, Cà Grande and Laurento, each of which provides the perfect micro-climate for the vines planted. As pioneers of quality in Emilia Romagna, Cesari has gained international recognition and has been awarded 'IWSC Italian Winemaker of the Year' four times in the last 15 years.

Vineyard

This wine is named after the small and picturesque hamlet "Liano" on the hills above Castel San Pietro in Emilia Romagna. The vines have an average age of 15 years are grown in calcareous and clay soils.

Winemaking

The grapes were destemmed and pressed. Fermentation took place in specially designed vinification tanks that allow a long and constant maceration on the skins, where the cap is kept constantly submerged. The wine was then racked off into five hectolitre 'allier tonneaux', where it was aged for a further 18 months. The wine was then refined in bottle for a further six months prior to release.

Tasting Note

Rounded, intense and persistent bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, spice and vanilla. Smooth and sophisticated with a lingering finish.

Serving Suggestion

Pair with a filet mignon in port or wine sauce, goats cheese and a fig chutney, a beef satay, grilled lamb and other tasty red meats. With desserts which combine the bitterness of cocoa and the acidity of red fruits such as a black forest chocolate, or a red velvet cake.

Grape

Sangiovese 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%