“We must live in balance with the nature that surrounds us.”

Revitalizations, classic anecdotes and new discoveries; all can be central themes when discussing the wonder of Tuscan wines and Fattoria Pomona is no exception.  Tucked into a bucolic corner of Tuscany where Castellina meets Castelnuovo, Fattoria Pomona crafts wonderful Sangiovese from 6 small hectares. It’s art.

It began in 1890 when the current owner’s great grandfather purchased what would ultimately become the estate with the intention of turning it into a grain farm.  In 1982, the farm fell into the hands of the owner’s parents who restored 2 vineyards on the property and began producing wine in limited quantities for local consumption.  But the estate’s turning point didn’t occur until 2007.

Woman standing among Pomona grape vines

~ The current owner of the Pomona estate, Monica Raspi, was a Veterinarian until 2007 ~

As Monica relates the story, “In 2007 I decided to close my veterinary clinic, pick up an enology manual and get on a tractor!  Today, Pomona is my passion. It remains one of the craziest and most wonderful decisions I have ever made.”  The results have been impressive. After a suggestion from a consulting enologist to apply poisonous pest controls to the vineyards in 2008, Monica correctly ignored that advice and as a result, resolved to become certified organic; a designation she achieved in 2012.  “We are fortunate to live in a unique land of wonderful beauty and we have the moral obligation to protect it.”

Pomona wine cellar fiasco

~ Old demi-johns in the Pomona farmhouse ~

“I make wines that I like and I am less and less willing to make compromises that hide the rough edges of an imperfect harvest.”

Recently we put Monica’s craftsmanship to the test.  The 2016 Pomona Chianti Classico Riserva is 100% Sangiovese. Sourced from vineyards that are east facing at approximately 350 meters above sea level, the soil is composed mostly of Albarese; a powdery rocky form of soil that contributes dusty character to the wine’s tannins.

On the nose, this wine exhibits wonderful aromas of crushed berry and wild cherry.  As it opens, tobacco, warmed terra cotta and cypress like herb notes become noticeable.  On the palate, this is full bodied and juicy with bright acidity and freshness.  An overall display of elegance is the central tenet of this flowery Sangiovese.  Aged exclusively in large botte, this Riserva marks a stylistic hybrid from two of my favorite Commune: Castellina and Castelnuovo.  Paired with spatchcock grilled chicken and grilled marinated portabello mushrooms, the match was perfectly made.  93 points.  Find this wine.  This is a link to the importer as Wine Searcher shows only outdated wines for this producer.

Pomona Chianti Classico Riserva and mushrooms

~ This is an impressive effort in a beautiful vintage. Very well done. ~

Salute!  More new releases, recipes and interesting wines to come. Stay tuned!

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