Vintus

Casino delle Vie, IGT Toscana

"Casino delle Vie" is a ninteenth-century farmhouse on the estate and gives its name to this wine.  The translation, "the madness of life", also reminds us that when all is confusion and chaos, when life feels turned upside down, a glass of fine wine can sometimes set the world to rights again.  The picture on the label features the acrobat Karl Carsony balancing himself with one finger in a bottle, literally upside down.  Carsony was an acrobat who performed renowned feats of strength and balance in the 1940s and 1950s in Las Vegas and around the world.  In the label's photograph he was balancing atop the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.

• 2009 Vintage

  The 2009 is primarily Sangiovese, with a little bit of Caraiolo and Colorino. Planted on sand and clay soils that are marked by magnesium and calcium content, the vines are guyot trained and planted at a density of over 2,000 vines per acre.  The vineyard has an elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level, and a south/south-east exposure.  Yields were around 2.2 tons per acre in 2009.

   

  Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a cool maceration of 2 days at 50 degrees, followed by 4-6 days at 82-86 degrees.  During maceration 4 pump-overs are carried out per day as well as 5 punch-downs.  Malolactic Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is then aged for 12 months in used barriques.  A total of 1,400 cases were produced.

   

  Casino delle Vie beautifully illustrates the estate’s philosophy.  It is a pure, pretty and graceful wine, with lovely red  fruit and floral details, an inviting and seamless palate, and a vibrancy that makes you take notice despite the wine’s restrained character. 

  • "Blackberry, blueberry and spices, with hints of new wood.  Full body, with a beautiful core of ripe fruit. Velvety tannins. Biodynamic. From Sting and Trudie Styler.  Drink in 2013."  92 Points James Suckling

• 2008 Vintage

  The 2008 Casino delle Vie is primarily Sangiovese, with a little bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Planted on sand and clay soils, the vines have a south-south/east exposure.  Fermentation and Malolactic Fermentation take place in stainless steel, and the wine is aged for 12 months in used barriques. 

  • "The colorfully named 2008 Casino delle Vie (Sangiovese) is a pretty, feminine wine graced with plenty of varietal nuance. Sweet cherries, crushed flowers and licorice are some of the nuances that flow from this feminine, vibrant red. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016." 90 Points Wine Advocate