Santacroce Toscana IGT (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Santacroce from Castell'in Villa is a harmonious blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a deep ruby color with garnet reflections. On the nose, it presents aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and plums, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and leather. The palate is well-structured, featuring flavors of blackberry and cherry, balanced by firm tannins and a lingering finish with hints of spice. This wine exemplifies the Super Tuscan style, combining traditional Tuscan grape varieties with international ones to create a unique and memorable experience. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, it has developed a refined complexity that continues to evolve over time.

About the grape

In 1988, Castell'in Villa's Santacroce wine marked a significant shift by blending Sangiovese, Tuscany's primary grape, with Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety not native to the region. This combination was inspired by renowned oenologist Giacomo Tachis, who suggested grafting Cabernet Sauvignon onto existing Canaiolo vines in the late 1970s. The 1988 vintage was the first to feature this 50-50 blend, exemplifying the innovative 'Super Tuscan' movement that challenged traditional winemaking norms.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1988 vintage of Santacroce marked the first inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, transitioning from a pure Sangiovese to a 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon composition.
• 🏷️ Santacroce is classified as an IGT Toscana wine, allowing for greater flexibility in blending and winemaking techniques compared to the more regulated DOCG classification.
• 🛢️ The wine is aged for 18 months in barriques, traditional Bordeaux oak barrels with a capacity of 225 liters, contributing to its complexity and depth.
• 🏰 Castell'in Villa, the producer of Santacroce, is renowned for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, resulting in wines that are both age-worthy and expressive of their terroir.
• ⛰️ The estate's vineyards are situated at elevations between 250 and 320 meters above sea level, providing optimal conditions for grape cultivation and contributing to the wine's balanced acidity and aromatic profile.

Palate profile

Producer

Castell'in Villa is a historic estate located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy. The estate's origins trace back to the 13th century when it functioned as a medieval hamlet and military outpost. In 1968, Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa and her husband Riccardo acquired the property, transforming it into a renowned winery. The estate spans approximately 298 hectares, with 54 hectares dedicated to vineyards and 32 hectares to olive groves. Princess Coralia is celebrated for her commitment to traditional winemaking methods, producing age-worthy wines that exemplify the elegance and longevity of Sangiovese.