Balifico, Toscana IGT – 2010
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Introduction
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The Balifico vineyard shares its name and location with a villa. The first Super-Tuscans were created in the 1970s by Chianti producers who rejected government mandates that determined which grapes were required to go into their wine, especially white grapes like Malvasia and Trebbiano. The Super-Tuscans were also treated differently from Chianti, aged in small French barriques rather than in large Slovenian casks. Because they did not follow DOC regulations, the Super-Tuscans were entitled only to the lowest official designation of the time — vino da tavola. It wasn’t until 1994 that the government recognized the high quality of the Super-Tuscans and gave the wine its own category — IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Balifico (bawl-ee-FEE-co)
- Cultivation: Certified organic
- Size: 5.02 hectares (12.4 total acres): Sangiovese: 3.1 hectares (7.66 acres); Cabernet Sauvignon: 1.92 hectares (4.74 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 20-25 years (on-going plantings since the 1980s)
- Soil: Sandstone
- Elevation: Sangiovese: 470 meters (1,542 feet); Cabernet Sauvignon: 450 meters (1,475 feet)
- Exposure: South-southwest (Sangiovese); southwest (Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Density: Sangiovese: 5,435 vines/hectare (2,200 vines/acre); Cabernet Sauvignon: 5,698 vines/hectare (2,306 vines/acre)
- Training: The Sangiovese is cane pruned and the Cabernet is spur pruned.
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Vintage Report
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The 2010 vintage was characterized by a cool and quite rainy growing season. All phenol phases were delayed by almost one week. During the summer, temperatures were never very high nor was there ever a lack of water. The development of the vines was good, and their fruit load was excellent. Ripening was slow, and harvest started slightly later than in recent years.
- Harvest Date(s): October 13-15
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 65% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Production (in cases): 1,667 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The Balifico is a vivid ruby color with a dark purple tinge. The nose is elegant, displaying aromas of blackberry and blueberry with hints of oak and cinnamon. This wine is smooth on the palate, with red fruit flavors, good structure and a long finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Balifico, Toscana IGT – 2010 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
"The palate offers dried black cherries, blackberries, coffee, tobacco and sage alongside firm, polished tannins. A note of ground aniseed closes the finish."
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Balifico, Toscana IGT – 2010 – 93 points – jamessuckling.com
"Loads of fresh-mushroom, blackberry and sliced-grilled-meat character to this. It's full-bodied with very fine, silky tannins and a savory, delicious finish…A blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. Organic grapes."