Tenuta Sette Cieli "Yantra" 2022

The Land

The "Yantra" Red Blend comes from Tenuta Sette Cieli, an estate located in Monteverdi Marittimo, Tuscany, between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The 10-hectare estate vineyards are situated on hillsides at 400 meters (1,300 feet) elevation, surrounded by lush woods. The soils are medium-textured, composed of black slate, granite rock, and clay. These high-elevation, organically farmed (not certified) vineyards benefit from a mild microclimate and significant diurnal temperature shifts.

The Wine

This 2022 "Yantra" is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. It is crafted with a cold soak maceration for 2-3 days, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 8 months in used (4-6 year-old) French oak barrels, followed by 6 months of bottle aging. Expect a very fruity and aromatic nose, with a nice acidity and minerality on the finish, and soft, smooth tannins. The 2022 vintage, while warm, benefited from earlier rains, resulting in balanced, high-quality grapes. This is a wine designed to be enjoyed in its youth, with an optimum drinking window of 3-5 years.

The People

Tenuta Sette Cieli, or "Estate of Seven Skies," was founded in 1994 by the Ratti family who envisioned creating world-class wines on their isolated, 170-acre property. The estate is now managed by Ambrogio Cremona Ratti, the owner and brand ambassador, and CEO and Winemaker Elena Pozzolini. They are dedicated to crafting wines that are a pure expression of the terroir, employing sustainable and organic practices in the vineyard, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their aim is to create wines of quality and longevity, reflecting the unique character of their high-elevation Tuscan estate.