Produced only in the best vintages

The Trivalente of Pillitteri is a Bordeaux blend, that is, a cuvée of the typical Bordeaux grape varieties Merlot (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Cabernet Franc (50%). The latter two are among the most difficult grape varieties to ripen, not only in Niagara, as they require a very long growing season. The 2012 vintage, however, was a near-perfect vintage for the Niagara Peninsula. Lots of warmth, sunshine and just the right amount of rain created ideal conditions for growing all Bordeaux grape varieties. The title “Riserva Famiglia” is awarded only to wines from the best vintages that have passed a strict tasting of a tasting commission. This exceptional red wine is produced in the traditional Appassimento style, in which the grapes are dried on the vine and on a special rack for 4 weeks after the traditional harvest date. The finished wine is then aged for 24 months in new French oak barriques.

And this is how the Riserva Famiglia Trivalente Appassimento tastes

Cabernet Franc is one of Niagara’s characteristic grape varieties and this wine is an excellent example of how to make it a complex and durable wine. On the nose, the Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Trivalente seduces with sweet tobacco, ripe black cherry, plum and liquorice, accompanied by other berry fruits and oriental spices. The same fruit notes continue on the palate and are flanked by other aromas, such as vanilla pod, mocha, forest soil and raspberry. Silky tannins, which are also created by the long barrel maturation, round off the harmonious mouthfeel. A real character, very elegant and with a long reverberation.