In 1989, a difficult year that fell in between two excellent vintages, we created a wine named ATEO (meaning “atheist”) as a consequence of our decision not to produce Brunello in less than ideal vintages. This decision coincided with the first harvests from our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards. While it came into existence as a provocation, Ateo is now an estate classic with a long fermentation and ageing in small French and American oak barriques. Grape varietal: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Fermentation and refinement: in steinless steel and glass concrete vats with temperature controlled trough cooling plates. Ageing: The Sangiovese is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels. The Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot are aged in French and American barriques and tonneaux for about 18 months. Bottles produced: approximately 13.000, with an anti-counterfeiting hologram on the capsule. Colour: intense ruby red. Organoleptic characteristics : (14% vol.) fruit-forward and herbaceous with hints of sour black cherry, tomato leaf, leather and liquorice. Full bodied wine, quite soft and balanced. Pleasant and long aftertaste. Service: open an hour before pouring and serve at 18°C (64,4° F) in large crystal wine glasses. Bottles should be kept in a horizontal position, far from light sources and protected from both extremes and changes in temperature. Food pairings:: appropriate companion for complex dishes, red meats and mature cheese.
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