Castello di Farnetella 2023

Located southeast of Siena, the Fèlsina estate stretches across the hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, on the southern edge of the Chianti Classico region, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The Castello di Farnetella cuvée comes from vineyards planted around the hamlet of Farnetella, on soils that blend sand, clay, and pebbles, at a moderate altitude that promotes significant temperature variation. This Tuscan terroir, influenced by a continental climate tempered by breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea, allows for a slow and even ripening of the grapes, ensuring balance and freshness.

The grapes are harvested at full maturity, sorted, and destemmed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration on the skins to extract color and structure. Regular pump-overs ensure good oxygenation and the aromatic expression of the fruit. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks, and the wine is then aged primarily in stainless steel tanks, with partial aging in oak barrels to refine the tannins while preserving the wine's freshness and typical Tuscan character.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of violet and peony, as well as spicy nuances of black pepper and licorice. Subtle oak accents, evoking cedar and a touch of vanilla, blend seamlessly into the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is supple and balanced, supported by fresh acidity , fine tannins , and a persistent, harmonious, and slightly savory finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!