The soil in the Il Giardino block consists of a cracking black clay base over patches of chalky limestone. Limestone beneath the surface attracts water, while clay allows for valuable water retention. The Il Giardino vineyard is planted at varied elevations ranging from 60 to 80 metres. The vines are 15 years old and include a mixture of clones: Abel, 8047, Pommard, D4V2 and MV6. We maintain low yields of less than 4 tonnes per hectare. The block is located high on the hillside, sheltered from the sometimes harsh westerly weather. 

The grapes are 100% hand-picked and processed immediately to preserve their integrity and purity. The fruit undergoes wild fermentation in open-top fermenters for up to 18 days, with a balanced proportion of whole bunches (35% in the 2023 vintage). After fermentation, the wine is pressed, then gravity-fed into a mixture of second- and third-fill 228-litre French oak barriques in our underground cellar, where it matures for 12 months. The wine remains in these conditions until it is transferred to tank before bottling. Bottled under natural cork in June 2024, our premium Single Block Pinot Noirs mature in bottle under cork for over a year before release. 

The 2023 Il Giardino Pinot Noir has a perfumed nose of red cherry, roasted strawberry, orange peel and potpourri. The palate is layered with ethereal, earthy notes, supported by blood plum, dark pomegranate, black cherry and a hint of dried oregano. This wine shows good length, bright acidity and firm yet fine tannins. It can be enjoyed in its youth if decanted, or cellared for long-term ageing over 10 to 15 years.