Balaxus (2014) - Castello di Potentino

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Balaxus is a wine made from Alicante, a grape variety known for its aromatic intensity. Castello di Potentino is a historic winery in Tuscany.

Balaxus (2014) - Castello di Potentino

Type: Red Wine

Area: Italy, Tuscany, Grosseto

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Grape variety: Alicante

Vintage: 2014

Winery: Castello di Potentino

Alcohol: 14%

The appellation: Toscana IGT

Toscana IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) is an appellation created in 1995 to allow Tuscan producers to experiment with new expressions of wine outside the strict production rules of the DOCs and DOCGs. This category gave rise to the famous Super Tuscans, wines of excellent quality often made with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, but also with native varieties such as Sangiovese, Vermentino and Trebbiano.

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What to eat with Balaxus

Who makes it: Castello di Potentino

Castello di Potentino is a historic winery in the heart of Tuscany, near Seggiano. This estate, dating back to the 12th century, is not only a place where wine is made but also a symbol of tradition and culture, set in a breathtaking landscape that takes in the hills of Siena. The winery stands out for its focus on sustainability and for its use of environmentally friendly viticultural practices. The wines it produces reflect the character of the area, expressing at their best the unique features of native grape varieties such as Sangiovese and Trebbiano. Every bottle tells a story of passion and dedication, making every sip a unique experience.

The vine of Balaxus

Alicante

Alicante is a red grape variety of great interest, native to Spain, where it is also known as Garnacha Tintorera. This variety is especially prized for its ability to adapt to different climates and soils, giving wines that can vary considerably according to the region where it is grown and the winemaking techniques used.

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Balaxus: the Grosseto area

Grosseto

Grosseto is one of the most fascinating provinces in Tuscany, known not only for the beauty of its landscape but also for its growing importance on the Italian wine scene. This area, in the southern part of Tuscany, has a Mediterranean climate that suits the growing of high-quality grape varieties. The variety of soils, ranging from clay to sand, helps to create wines with a unique and distinctive aromatic profile.

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Clay

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Balaxus

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Spices

Secondary aromas: Wood, Vanilla

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An intense red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Full-bodied
Acidity	Medium-high
Tannin	Well integrated
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Long
Colour	Ruby red
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Balaxus

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration is the key process in winemaking, during which the sugars in the must are turned into alcohol through the action of the yeasts. At the same time, in red wines and in some macerated whites, maceration takes place, that is contact between the must and the skins, which allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted.

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Ageing methods used for Balaxus

In cask (7–18 months)

Ageing in cask for between 7 and 18 months is a classic but measured approach to maturing wine. Large casks, usually Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow natural micro-oxygenation, which helps the wine settle, knit together and develop a more complex, harmonious profile. This kind of ageing is widely used for terroir-driven reds and for some structured whites that are after depth without the aromatic intensity a barrique would give.

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Time on the lees for Balaxus

No contact with the lees