Master Selection, Akluj Sangiovese Rosé

Master Selection, Akluj Sangiovese Rosé

Vintage: 2023

VintageProduct CodeFormatClosureAvailability
2023MS203A2312 x 75ScrewcapContact Us
Producer

M/S is a joint venture between Piero Masi, a Tuscan winemaker who previously worked at Isole e Olena, and the late wine writer, producer, and innovator Steven Spurrier, who founded the Wine Society of India during one of his frequent visits. They met through Kapil and Gaurav Sekhri, whose winery owns around 95 hectares of vineyards, planted over three sites, in Akluj (Mahārāshtra), on the right bank of the Nira River about 170 kilometres south of Pune. The climate here is subtropical, yet the elevation of 650 metres gives cool nights to ensure the grapes retain their freshness.

After the passing of Kapil Sekhri in October 2020 and Steven Spurrier in March 2021, the Sekhri family continues to strengthen the partnership with Piero Masi and continues Steven’s commitment to fresh, vibrant, unoaked, and balanced wines.

The white blends 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc from two vineyards nearly 550 metres above sea level. All the grapes are hand-picked and the wine is fermented in stainless steel at 18 - 20˚C to retain the aromas acquired during ripening at high elevations. The rosé, made solely from Sangiovese (Piero’s speciality), is pale, fresh and zingy, while the red blends 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Shiraz to create a soft, ripe expression with excellent balance. It is fermented in stainless steel for about two weeks at 25°C to extract colour and ripe tannins. The Merlot is made similarly, resulting in a supple mouthfeel and rich palate.

The vineyards were planted in 2008 with cuttings imported from Europe by Piero and are the key to the success of these wines. The soils are poor, which reduces vigour, and do not contain clay, a key factor in managing disease pressure in a subtropical climate. Yields are half what most people achieve in India, which means the grapes ripen properly before the monsoons arrive. The resulting wines have lovely purity and lift, standing shoulder to shoulder with their European counterparts.

Vineyards

First planted in 2008 with cuttings imported from Europe, the winery has around 95 hectares of vineyards over three sites in Akluj. The soils are generally poor with no clay, which reduces vigour, a key factor in managing disease in what is a sub-tropical climate. Yields are half what is usually achieved in India, allowing full ripening before the monsoons arrive. Altitude also plays its part with vineyards up to 550 metres above sea level, resulting in cool nights and ensuring the grapes retain freshness.

Vintage

The 2023 vintage saw unusually cold temperatures for Indian standards during December and January. In February, temperatures increased and remained stable until the end of the growing season, favouring the gradual and optimal ripening of the grapes. Sun damage was efficiently avoided and there was less disease pressure thanks to the mild temperature which resulted in fresh and concentrated flavours in the grapes.

Vinification

The grapes were destemmed and gently pressed in a pneumatic press. The free-run juice was fermented in stainless-steel tanks at 18°C - 20°C for 10 to 15 days. No malolactic fermentation was carried out. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes & Technical Details

This wine has a vibrant rose-petal colour with aromas of summer red berry fruits, which follow through onto the palate that is both elegant and refreshing.

Alcohol (ABV)

12.5%

Acidity

6.8 g/l

pH

3.2

Other wines from this producer

Producer
Wine
Product Code
Features
Style
Master SelectionAkluj Chardonnay/Sauvignon BlancMS201
W
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Akluj Cabernet Franc/ShirazMS202
R
Factsheet
Akluj MerlotMS205
R
Factsheet