Il Molino di Grace “Gratius” 2017 IGT (Tuscany Italy) – [WS 93] [JS 92] [VM 90]

Introduction

About the Winery:
The winery is named after a 19th century historic windmill located on the property near the cantina. However, the viticultural history of the property is much olderthe vineyards at Il Molino di Grace have been fruitful for over 350 years. When Frank Grace first purchased the property in 1995, there was no winery: all the grapes were sold to local producers. Using the site of a ruined barn, Grace, together with winery manager Gerhard Hirmer, designed and built a state of the art winery. The winery opened its doors in 1999 and today, all of our wines are estate produced and bottled using organic materials and sustainable practices in both the vineyard and cantina.

Winemaker Notes:

GRAPES: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino

POSITION: Single vineyard at steep hillside at 580 meters above sea level

TRAINING SYSTEM:Guyot

HARVEST: Late, after October 10th, by hand

VINIFICATION PROCESS: After a second grape quality control, 20 days of maceration at a controlled temperature of 28-30C with soft extraction process and frequent punch-downs

AGING: 12 months in French barriques and tonneaux new and first use

PRODUCTION: 22 hl/ha

Ratings & Reviews:

93 Points – Wine Spectator:
“A dense, compact style, with muscular tannins underneath the black cherry, blackberry, iron, tobacco and earth flavors. Finds a nice equilibrium on the finish, but wait a few years before opening this intense red. Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo. Best from 2024 through 2038. 500 cases made, 300 cases imported. Bruce Sanderson (Oct 2021)

92 Points – James Suckling:
“Full-bodied and layered with attractive, ripe tannins and plenty of plum and berry character. Hint of sandalwood, too. Juicy and soft. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.” (Jul 2021)

90 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2017 Gratius is powerful and dark in the glass. Black fruit, chocolate, new leather, spice and lavender infuse the 2017 with notable depth and fleshiness. The Gratius doesnt quite have the singularity of some of the best wines in the range, but it is unquestionably well done. Antonio Galloni (Sep 2021)