BOLGHERI SUPERIORE DOC
An intense ruby red introduces the nose, which stands out for its fragrant, well-ripened dark berryfruit, including wild cherry, cassis, and blueberry, complemented by impressions of pipe tobacco and wild herbs. In the mouth, it is taut, austere, and dense, yet at the same time elegant and well-balanced, with smooth, fine-grained tannins. Its long-lingering finish displays abundant aromatic fruit.
GRAPES
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot.
WEATHER AND THE HARVEST
The 2015 winter was not excessively severe, bringing temperatures that were 1-3oC above the average in February and March. Rain, though not frequent, was abundant. Spring was mild, with average temperatures and light, intermittent rainfall. Summer followed a similar pattern, with few rains but very high average temperatures, and hot spells in July. As is usual in Bolgheri, mid-August rain storms contributed to a normal kick-off for the harvest.
VINIFICATION AND MATURATION
Levia Gravia 2015 is a very distinctive wine. The grapes are grown exclusively in the Biagio vineyard, sited at an elevation of 210 metres, an exceptional height for Bolgheri.
The Merlot harvest started in the final days of August, followed by Cabernet Franc, and concluded in early October with our latest-ripening grape, Cabernet Sauvignon.
The clusters were hand-picked into small, 12kg boxes after being graded for quality in the vineyard, then they were again inspected on a sorting table before being de-stemmed and pressed. The berries were put into temperature-controlled steel tanks and fermented for around 2 weeks. Following the malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into French oak barrels of various toast levels, where it remained for over 20 months. Six months’ bottle-ageing followed, before release.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Perfect with red meats, game, as well as with blue and cave-aged cheeses, meat- and cheese-filled pastas.
Awards
Silver Medal, Mondus Vini, vintage 2016
4 Viti, Guida Vitae, vintage 2016
Silver Medal, Mondus Vini, vintage 2015
89, Decanter World Wine Awards, vintage 2015
92, Robert Parker, vintage 2015
90, Wine Enthusiast, vintage 2015
92, Larsson, vintage 2015
91, James Suckling, vintage 2015
93, James Suckling, vintage 2014
4 Viti, Guida ai Vini D'Italia VITAE, vintage 2015
90, Decanter Asia Wine Award, vintage 2015
95, Decanter World Wine Award, vintage 2014
90, Silver medal, Decanter Asia Wine Awards, vintage 2013
91, James Suckling
93, Wine Advocate
93, Andreas Larsson, vintage 2013
88, Luca Maroni, vintage 2009
3 Stelle Blu, Veronelli, vintage 2009
90, Wine Enthusiast, vintage 2006
90, Wine Enthusiast, vintage 2007
90, Wine Enthusiast, vintage 2008
Bronze medal, Decanter Asia Wine Awards vintage 2009
3 Stelle Blu, Veronelli, vintage 2008
Bronze medal, International Wine Cellar, vintage 2008
Silver medal, Decanter World Wine Awards, vintage 2008
Gold medal, Mundus Vini, vintage 2008
Gold medal, Japan Wine Challenge, vintage 2008
89, Luca Maroni, vintage 2007
4 Grappoli, Bibenda, vintage 2007
Sizes
Levia Gravia 2013 is available in 750ml bottles, 1.5 l. magnums, and 3.0 l. Jeroboams.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14,5%