2022 ChevernyDomaine du Salvard
France | Loire
$22
Producers
The Ferretti family has farmed vineyards high in the hills of what is now the Brunello di Montalcino appellation for generations. For the first time, they have put the fruit of their labor in bottle thanks to the impetus of Matteo Perugino, great-grandson of the estate's founder. The vineyards are located in an area southwest of Montalcino called Pietrafocaia, named for the incredibly stony soils that confer remarkable character to the Sangiovese they grow. Paired with the high-elevation freshness, this site yields a lively, focused Rosso, featuring a mineral backbone that provides crystalline structure to the juicy, savory red fruit that cascades over the palate. Matteo has followed traditional protocol, aging his wines exclusively in large oak botti, and his first release captures all the nuance of the land his family has cultivated for so long.
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2019 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Sangiovese |
Appellation: | Rosso di Montalcino |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Tuscany |
Producer: | Ferretti |
Winemaker: | Matteo Perugino |
Vineyard: | Planted in 1985, 1997, 1998, 7 ha total |
Soil: | Clay, limestone |
Aging: | Ages for 4 months in 20-30hL Slavonian oak botti and 4 months in stainless steel before bottling |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Rosso di Montalcino
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico Riserva
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico Riserva
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany | IGT Alta Valle della Greve
Until now, the Ferrettis never bottled their house wine. Despite decades of experience cultivating Sangiovese and vinifying what is now known as Brunello di Montalcino, they had always sold off their wine to other estates to bottle under a different label. But with the 2016 vintage, Ferruccio’s great-grandson, Matteo Perugino, decided that it was time for a change. Having just finished studies in agriculture in nearby Siena and armed with valuable experience working in another Montalcino cellar, Matteo returned to the family farm determined to capture the fruit of his family’s labor—and highlight this special part of the appellation—in bottle.
Perhaps no region is tied to Italy’s reputation as a producer of fine wine as much as Tuscany. Since Etruscan times, viticulture has played a prominent role in this idyllic land of rolling hills, and the Tuscan winemaking tradition remains as strong as ever today. With a favorable Mediterranean climate, an undulating topography offering countless altitudes and expositions, and a wealth of poor, well-draining soils, conditions are ideal for crafting high-quality wines. Add to that the rich gastronomical tradition—Tuscany is home to some of the country’s finest game, pastas, salumi, and cheeses—and you have the blueprint for a world-class wine region.
This is Sangiovese territory; in fact, it is arguably the only place in the world where Sangiovese reaches a truly regal expression. In spite of a rocky history with fluctuations in quality, traditionally produced Chianti has reclaimed its status as one of the country’s most reliable, food-friendly reds, while the rapid rise of Brunello di Montalcino shows the grape’s potential for grandiose, opulent reds allying power and finesse. Traditionally-minded growers have stuck to using only indigenous grape varieties and employing techniques like aging in massive wooden casks known as botti, creating wines of terroir that shine at the Tuscan table.
Tuscan wines have had a place in our portfolio since Kermit’s first visit in 1977. While the names of the estates have changed, the spirit of those first unfiltered Chiantis he imported live on through our current selections.
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico Riserva
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany | IGT Alta Valle della Greve
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany | IGT Alta Valle della Greve
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Castagnoli Italy | Tuscany
Sesti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Podere Campriano Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico
Villa Di Geggiano Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico Riserva
Ferretti Italy | Tuscany | Brunello di Montalcino
Villa Di Geggiano Italy | Tuscany | Chianti Classico
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
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