I Fabbri di Susanna Grassi "Terra di Lamole" - Chianti Classico 2021
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | I Fabbri di Susanna Grassi |
Origin | Italy, Tuscany, Chianti Classico |
The Grassi family has been growing grapes and making wine at their estate, Casole, in Lamole since the 1600's. As well as making wine, the family was also the local blacksmith, I Fabbri, which became the name of their label. In the 1920's, the family sold their wine commercially, though by the middle of the 20th century, the estate's vineyards were abandoned. In the late 1990's, current proprietor Susanna Grassi and her sister Maddalena resuscitated the vines and made I Fabbri into one of the leading estates in Lamole: they are proud to be two of the few pioneering women winemakers of Chianti.
Today, the estate consists of 9 hectares of vineyards grown between 550 and 650 meters above sea level — Lamole is called the roof of Chianti — on loose, sandy soils. Many of their vines are planted on centuries-old terraces — rebuilt by Susanna and Maddalena in 2002 — that form a beautiful natural amphitheater. The vines are certified organic and are grown along biodynamic principles. In addition, I Fabbri has embraced sustainable practices in both the vineyard and cellar, including lightweight glass bottles, energy independence through a photovoltaic system and reusing the by-products of winemaking as much as possible. All grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts.
I Fabbri's Terra di Lamole is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo from 45 year old vines fermented in concrete and aged in a mix of concrete and 500 liter French oak tonneaux for 12 months. Lustrous dark ruby color with soaring aromas of fresh cherries, red flowers, pepper and spice. The palate is incredibly elegant and lifted with long, fine-grained tannins and a tensile, gossamer acidity that gives wonderful focus and length to the wine. An incredibly refined, complex, delicious and transparent Chianti Classico.