Marchesi Pancrazi, Toscana Pinot Nero IGT, Vigna Baragazza

About Marchesi Pancrazi

Its owner at the time, Marquis Vittorio Pancrazi, planted 3,300 Sangiovese vines on the property. At this point, Vittorio Pancrazi decided to make a single-vineyard wine, putting his Bordeaux-educated friend, Niccol D Afflitto, in charge of the operation. After over a year in Allier barrique and another in bottles, the experiment not only succeeded, it exceeded all expectations. As it turned out, the very location that had seemed uninspiring for what they thought was Sangiovese proved to be ideal for Pinot Noir. The vineyard enjoys southern exposure and is located 490 meters above sea level. The clay, schist, and serpentine soil, particularly rich in iron, enhances Pinot Noir s finesse and the conditions of the 5.6 hectares vineyard are ideal for this difficult and delicate grape. Water is abundant: even in the driest summers, because of Apennine slopes that drain into the foothills where the vineyard is located. Moreover, the estate makes use of a state-of-the-art, gravitational system of irrigation, with well water from the hillside above the property, Monte Ferrato. Cool, night time breezes prevent the grapes from ripening quickly, allowing them too gently and gradually mature. The range is completed by a single vineyard and a ros version of the Pinot Noir from Villa di Bagnolo. Giuseppe Pancrazi has now taken the place of his uncle while Niccol D Afflitto continues to style the wines. Paolo Mocali is their agronomist.