RIGOLOCCIO WINE

HISTORY AND TERRITORYThe Azienda Agricolo Forestale RIGOLOCCIO is located in the Gavorrano district in the heart of the Maremma of Grosseto, an area rich in history and tradition.Due to the mild climate and the rich soil, the Etruscans chose to settle here giving rise to famous settlements such as Vetulonia, Populonia as well as those at Lake Accesa and Lake Poggio Castiglione, visible from Rigoloccio.This area is in the Metallifere Hills, so called because of the wealth of minerals in the subsoil. Mining became the main employment of the local inhabitants, brave men, able to cope with the dangerous and arduous labour thereby developing a civilisation which drew its wealth from metalworking and was vital to the development of a district rich in art.In addition to the mines, the area is characterised by beautiful countryside with its carefully tended gardens, framed by rows of vines and olive groves that bring to mind the unforgettable landscapes of the Impressionists.Olive trees and vines have always been a vital resource for the survival of the inhabitants of the Maremma. Vines were grown here before anywhere else in Italy! It was the Etruscans who first imported the vitis vinifera from the ancient Greek islands, thereby beginning the production of wine which has been uninterrupted to this day. In recent years interest in “good wine” has been increasing, consequently the techniques of cultivation and wine making have moved on. Well known wine specialists and bold new entrepreneurs in this field are developing important new vineyards. All this is helping to make the Maremma the new Eldorado of good, new wines.So it is with the Azienda Agricolo Forestale RIGOLOCCIO, a vineyard of 20 hectares in the foothills of the Maremma. It overlooks the Gulf of Follonica and the island of Elba from where the soft sea breezes emanate. Rigoloccio (named after one of the mines) is sheltered from the northern winds and gently touched by the sun from dawn to dusk. This is a paradise, like many others in Maremma, with a soil rich in minerals and microelements that make the land unique and ideal for the cultivation of vines and the production of good wine. The whole is crowned by olive groves and an oak wood.In 2002 the dream of a new vineyard at Rigoloccio started to take shape under the guidance of the renowned wine maker Fabrizio Moltard. The choice of vines was bold: Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Alicante produce the red wines and Chardonnay and Fiano combine giving birth to a new and intriguing white wine. The aim was the production of good wines of the order of the Supertuscans and this has been achieved through inspiration and international experience.The winesIl SorveglianteTypical geographical indication: Maremma Toscana Year: 2004 Bottled by: Rigoloccio - Az Agricola Abati e Puggelli s.s – Gavorrano – GR - Italy Size: 750 ml Alcohol content: 14%Il Sorvegliante is the result of a mixture of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante grape. It displays the features of the soil in a fascinating way. The careful fermentation in barrels and the refinement in the bottle for over 18 months give it a special quality.MerlotTypical geographical indication: Maremma Toscana Year: 2005 Bottled by: Rigoloccio - Az Agricola Abati e Puggelli s.s - Gavorrano – GR - Italy Size: 750 ml Alcohol content: 14%It displays the features of the Merlot highlighting the deep vegetal aromas. It is delicate and mellow on the palate and goes well with red meats, cold cuts and mature cheeses.Chardonnay and FianoTypical geographical indication: Maremma Toscana Year: 2005 Bottled by: Rigoloccio - Az Agricola Abati e Puggelli s.s - Gavorrano – GR - Italy Size: 750 ml Alcohol content: 14% This wine is obtained by a skilful combination of the Chardonnay and Fiano grapes. The perfect maturation of grapes and the fermentation at a controlled temperature give this wine a deep and lingering perfume as well as a pleasant freshness to the palate.Cabernet and AlicanteTypical geographical indication: Maremma Toscana Year: 2005 Bottled by: Rigoloccio - Az Agricola Abati e Puggelli s.s - Gavorrano – GR - Italy Size: 750 ml Alcohol content: 12.5% The Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Alicante, after separate fermentation, are skilfully blended to produce a cool “beverino” wine to accompany chowder, white and red meats and medium cheeses.I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4