REGION | Bolgheri, Toscana
PRACTICES | Sustainable
TERROIR | Bolgheri sits next to the sea, whose constant breezes moderate both warm summers and harsh winters. Alluvial soils dominate, but Donne Fittipaldi sits along the first major “rise” a few kilometers inland from the Mediterranean, a point at which more loamy, sandy soils give way to more clay and limestone (the famed Bolgheri gravel).
The Donne Fittipaldi winery was established in 1992, by Maria Menarini Fittipaldi, who runs the estate with her 4 daughters. The property covers 46 hectares which surround the historic estate ‘The Pineta’. This building is one of twelve farmhouses that, in 1870, Count Walfredo of the Gherardesca transformed from simple huts into fully functioning farms for the cultivation of olive trees and vineyards, but whose roots in the region date over 1200 years.
The wines are made in the most minimal, gentle way: no clarifying, only local yeasts, rather long macerations, very gentle extractions. In this way, Donne Fittipaldi can safeguard the wholesome, authentic aromas and flavours of the wines, and offer customers a taste of classic Bolgheri.
The varieties planted include Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvigon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Orpicchio.
Located along one of Tuscany’s most elite wine routes, Maria Fittipaldi Menarini and her four daughters are creating a destination of their own for lovers of sumptuous, Bordeaux-inspired “super Tuscan” reds.” – David Lynch, Sommelier and SommSelect Editorial Director.
VARIETY | 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec
VINEYARDS | Vigna del Bruciato
VINIFICATION | Hand harvesting, soft destemming and a delicate handling of the grapes, followed by natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts & 15-days maceration in contact with the skins. 12 months in 2nd & 3rd year barrique.
ABV | 14%
Review for the 2018 Bogheri Rosso DOC:
93 points, James Suckling Aromas of dark fruit, smoke, and walnuts follow through to a full body with lots of ripe fruit and round tannins. Powerful and flavorful. Needs time to soften.
Always outstanding Bolgheri. Try after 2022.