Montenidoli and the ever so amazing Elisabetta!
It’s unimaginable to discuss the wines of Tuscany without first talking about Montenidoli. Translated as “the mountain of little nests”, this magical place is everything you would imagine a Tuscan vineyard to be except more WILD! Elisabetta Fagiouli is rooted & ingrained into thsi Italian landscape - together with her partner and great love, Sergio, she came here in 1965 and planted vines. They adopted and raised children, rebuilt the old house and lived in harmony with the land. With a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all things: flora, fauna, land and sea: Elisabetta’s absolute reverence is embodied not only in her boundless enthusiasm & warmth for all living things and also in her philosophy in life & in the vineyard. She is 100% one of my all-time wine hero’s!
Truly, Montenidoli is a celebration of the tradition of Tuscany but with a little wild and a whole lot of poetry of the land - with overgrown forests, olive groves, indigenous varietals and the most amazing views!!
Open up a bottle & experience it for yourself!
Fiore
Direct translation of Fiore is Flower and this pure expression of Vernaccia is made from free run juice also known as the flower. Vinified & aged on the lees in stainless steel. Elegant & balanced with citrus blossom, fresh herbs & ripe orchard fruit are framed by considerable depth & delicate acidity. Drink this all summer long!!
Tradizionale
Some traditions should live on forever, especially the Tuscan tradition of vinifying Vernaccia di San Gimignano in the way it has always been done - on the skins. Pale yellow, almost gold, this mineral wine has wonderful structure & so much complexity: orange & ripe citrus notes give way to honeydew & stone fruit, which give way to almonds, hay & dried herbs that lead to a resinous finish. Perfect with just about anything – Mediterranean dishes, shellfish & sushi, but even those extra difficult to pair things like artichokes, asparagus, spinach or anything else green. Long live this tradition! Long live this wine!
Canaiuolo Rosato
This rosé is made from 100% Canaiuolo & is 100% DELICIOUS. Wondering why you haven’t heard of Canaiuolo? It’s an indigenous Tuscan varietal that usually plays second fiddle to Sangiovese often adding fruit & softening tannins to the blends in which it plays a role. Have no doubt though, this rosé proves that Canaiuolo can also play “first chair” & stand on its own. Made from free run juice with a long & slow fermentation, this delicately colored rosé is not only a summer treat, but something to be enjoyed year round: bright red fruits of wild cherries & alpine strawberries with hints of orange blossom & a flinty minerality. You want to get your hands on this NOW.
il Garrulo Chianti
Named after the “garrulous” sparrows that populate the Montenidoli property, as well as the chirping that is produced through chit-chatting with friends, this wine is a nod to Chiantis of yore which follow the original recipe of Barone Riscaoli of two red grapes (Sangiovese & Canaiolo) with a smidge of two white grapes (Trebbiano Gentile & Malvasia Bianca). Why add white grapes to red grapes, you ask? To stabilize color & accentuate the aromas of the red grapes. This Chianti is easy drinking at its finest - cherries with some aged balsamic richness dance around the edges of the glass, spice & peppery tannins balance the bright, red berry acidity. A true wine for every occasion.
Toscano Rosso
Elegance incarnate. This 100% Sangiovese is pure, precise & energetic. Abundant red fruit with warm balsamic sour cherry is framed by smooth tannins & perfectly balanced acidity. Treat yourself & drink this with grilled meats or strong cheese.
