Fontalloro Tuscany 2019

Located southeast of Siena, the Fèlsina estate stretches across the hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, on the southern border of Chianti Classico in Tuscany. The Fontalloro vineyards are divided between parcels within the Chianti Classico appellation and others within the Chianti Colli Senesi appellation, on soils that blend galestro, alberese, and sandy-clay deposits. This mosaic of terroirs, at varying altitudes, gives the Sangiovese an elegant and structured expression, emblematic of this pivotal area between continental and Mediterranean influences.

The Sangiovese grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and destemmed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration on the skins to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Aging then continues in oak barrels, primarily French, for an extended period to refine the tannins and develop a more complex bouquet, before further bottle aging at the estate prior to release.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice, and sweet tobacco, underpinned by oak with hints of cedar and vanilla . The palate is full-bodied and precise, driven by lively acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and a long, flavorful finish that underscores the Mediterranean character of Sangiovese.

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!