# Cont'Ugo Bolgheri DOC Rosso (2020)

- **Producer:** Marchesi Antinori
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €65
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, ripe fruit, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, cedar

## About this wine

Cont'Ugo Bolgheri DOC Rosso 2020 is a 100% Merlot from Marchesi Antinori, produced in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC region of Tuscany. The wine's name, Cont'Ugo, honors an ancient estate and the historical significance of the Antinori family's connection to the land. The estate's vineyards are located at altitudes between 45 and 60 meters on clay-loam soils of alluvial origin. The 2020 vintage experienced a warm summer, with harvest taking place from September 3rd to September 30th. This wine represents a focused interpretation of the Bolgheri terroir through the lens of a single varietal, Merlot.

## Interesting facts

- Named after an ancient estate called Ugo, part of Antinori's historical holdings.
- The 'Cont' in Cont'Ugo derives from 'Conte', meaning Count, referencing historical land ownership.
- This wine is a 100% Merlot, a deliberate choice to showcase the grape's character in Bolgheri.
- The vineyards are situated between 45 and 60 meters above sea level.

## Food pairing

The full body and firm tannins of Cont'Ugo are well-suited to richer proteins, where the tannins can interact with and soften the fat and protein. The wine's inherent fruitiness can complement the savory notes of roasted meats and earthy ingredients like mushrooms and lentils.

## Wine making process

Cont'Ugo Bolgheri DOC Rosso 2020 is produced using 100% Merlot grapes. The grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with temperatures managed to optimize aromatic freshness and extraction. Following fermentation, the wine matures for 18 months in 225-liter French oak barriques. The wine is then aged in bottle before its release. The harvest for the 2020 vintage occurred between September 3rd and September 30th.