The crowning glory of the Ai Palazzi line of reds is Montesco. This wine is dear to Adriano, as it is the one to which he has dedicated years of study, observations and experiments that have resulted in a masterpiece.

The story of Montesco began with the 1996 harvest, but is rooted farther back in time, with studies performed to identify clones, rootstock and blend percentages. Montesco comes from a single clone for all the varieties and from a single rootstock. Nowadays the perfect blend is achieved directly in the vineyard in which are planted:

• 43% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 30% Merlot
• 17% French Cabernet Franc
• 10% Marzemino

Therefore, every year the actual percentage of the varieties that make up Montesco is determined by a director much more important than the oenologist: nature. Cabernet and Merlot are vinified together, whereas Marzemino is lightly dried for a few weeks to exalt its softness and express its typical features to the utmost.

This well-structured, full-bodied red wine blends perfectly the softness of Merlot, the strong personality of Cabernet Franc, the unmistakable elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon and the vivacity of Marzemino.