Marnisi estate in Marsaxlokk. 8.1 hectares of land under vine. Shallow terrarossa soil. Vertical trellis system with guyot training for Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and replacement cane pruning for Cabernet Franc. Controlled drip irrigation 6,250 vines per hectare.
54,792 kg of grapes harvested.
Yield: 47.3 hectolitres per hectare.
Merlot hand harvested on 22/08/2001. Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc hand harvested from 28/08/2001 till 29/08/2001.
The 2001 vintage was characterised by a dry winter, with reduced rainfall verging on drought conditions. Summer temperatures before harvest reached 38°C resulting in excellent grape maturity.
Destemming, 17 days maceration, temperature controlled fermentation. 12 months maturation in new french oak barrels
Stewed pork, venison terrine, Grilled Tuna
Appearance
Moderate intensity displaying a garnet rim and a medium ruby core with slightly tinted tears.
Nose
Moderate intense developing aromas of a red fruit character: redcurrant and cranberry; mineral, earthiness, oak, vanilla, leather and slight vegetal hint: grass and wet leaves.
Palate
Moderate acidity well integrated with plentiful yet supple ripe tannins. A medium bodied wine with abundant red fruit character of raspberries, cranberries combined with oak, leather, ginger and smoke. It has a good level of alcohol and a persistent finish.
Conclusion
A well structured wine with good integration of earthy mineral hints. Will keep for another 4-5 years.