{"product_id":"2015-villa-saletta-ad-980","title":"2015 Villa Saletta AD 980 Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003e2015 Villa Saletta AD 980 is a rare, collector-worthy Super Tuscan crafted exclusively from Cabernet Franc and bottled only in magnum. Named for the year 980 AD—the first recorded mention of winemaking at Villa Saletta—this cuvée pays homage to more than a millennium of wine history on the estate. Produced only in the very best vintages and limited to just 980 magnums in 2015, it offers a harmonious blend of tradition, precision, and modern elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2015 Villa Saletta AD 980 shows a deep, concentrated ruby color with violet highlights, signaling both youth and structure. The nose is layered and expressive, opening with ripe black and red fruits—blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry, and dark cherry—interwoven with notes of black pepper, vanilla, subtle cocoa, and hints of sweet spice from the Allier French oak.\n\nOn the palate, this 100% Cabernet Franc is rich and silky, with a velvety attack that quickly unfurls into dense, concentrated fruit. Flavors of cassis, cherry, raspberry, and blueberry are supported by nuances of black pepper, vanilla, and a touch of dried herbs. The tannins are fine-grained and supple, shaped by the careful oak regimen and full malolactic fermentation in new French barrels. The finish is long, elegant, and poised, with a fresh acidity that keeps the wine vibrant. Thanks to its structure, magnum format, and meticulous vinification, this 2015 has excellent aging potential and will continue to develop complexity and tertiary notes over the next 10–15 years or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVilla Saletta lies in Tuscany, in an area with a long viticultural history and diverse soils well-suited to Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Franc. The estate philosophy emphasizes meticulous selection, and for AD 980 only perfect berries are used. Fermentation takes place in small new Allier French oak barrels with integrated fermentation, as well as in special Perlè tanks that create a controlled redox environment. This reduces oxygen exposure, allowing the first drops of wine to develop slowly on the skins, preserving freshness and aromatic purity while extracting color and rounding the tannins. All of the wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation in new French oak—an expensive, technically demanding approach more often associated with top Bordeaux châteaux than Italian estates. After vinification, the wine is matured for 24 months in French oak and then refined for a further 6 months in bottle before release, exclusively in magnum format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis powerful yet refined Super Tuscan is a natural match for rich, savory dishes. Think Tuscan-style bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb with herbs, braised beef, game dishes, or slow-cooked ragù over pappardelle. It also complements aged hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Pecorino. For best enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Given its concentration and structure—especially in magnum—decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended to allow the aromas to open and the texture to fully soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVilla Saletta is an historic Tuscan estate with roots that can be traced back over a thousand years, with the first recorded mention of wine production dating from 980 AD. Located in the hills of central Tuscany, the property has seen centuries of agricultural and viticultural tradition, evolving into a modern, quality-focused winery while honoring its deep heritage. Since 2000, Villa Saletta has been owned by Guy and Julia Hands, who have invested heavily in vineyards and cellar technology to elevate the estate into the ranks of serious, terroir-driven Tuscan producers. Their commitment to low yields, meticulous grape selection, and ambitious techniques such as full malolactic fermentation in new French oak has positioned Villa Saletta as a noteworthy name in contemporary Tuscan winemaking, particularly for its refined, Bordeaux-inspired reds like AD 980.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Saletta","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251802362193,"sku":"GCW-SALE-15005-1","price":238.29,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2015_Villa_Saletta_AD_980.png?v=1783441508","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2015-villa-saletta-ad-980","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}