Giovanni Folonari of Tenuta di Nozzole

~ Giovanni Folonari is the current Chairman of the Tenuta di Nozzole Estate ~

Although the Tenuta di Nozzole farm has origins that date back to the 1700s,  it wasn’t until Ambrogio Folonari acquired the farm in 1971 that production of fine wines and olive oil began.  Today, the estate covers 385 hectares of land, of which 90 are planted to vineyards.  Located in the Comune of Greve, the pinnacle of the estate’s production is the 100% Sangiovese Gran Selezione.

The Folonari name has been associated with Italian wine production for generations.  In 1882, brothers Italo and Francesco Folonari began expanding their wine business with the purchase of Ruffino. With that came extensive distribution rights, in Italy and abroad, to Chianti Classico bottled in straw wrapped vessels called Fiaschi.  As a result of this early success, the family was able to expand and in the early 60s abandoned quantity for quality culminating in the purchase of Tenuta di Nozzole.

Tenuta di Nozzole

~ Tenuta di Nozzole in Greve in Chianti Classico ~

The Tenuta di Nozzle 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is worthy of the designations stature.  First produced in the 2013 vintage, the 2015 is the most recent release and only the second vintage for this label.  Vinified in stainless steel, the wine remains there for 2 months and then is trasferred to Slavonian barrels of vary sizes.  It is 100% Sangiovese.

The wine is deep ruby in the glass with violet reflections.  After decanting 1 hour, aromas of violets, coffee, wild berry and toasted tobacco leaf were prevalent. Very interesting, inviting and complex.

On the palate, there is no let up.  Juicy, ripe flavors of wild berry are concentrated and fresh.  Tobacco and herb notes add complexity to the flavor profile as the sapidity creates a mouth watering texture. The tannins are not shy and shorten the finish slightly, but there is nothing here to make me think this Gran Selezione doesn’t have a bright future.  95 points.  About $75.  Find this wine.

Tenuta di Nozzole bottle of wine

~ The 2015 Gran Selezione is a wine of stature and breeding. While this is approachable now with some decanting, it is built to age. Try it around it’s 10th birthday ~

The Folonari’s own several other wine estates throughout Italy including properties at the Tuscan coast, in Montalcino and Umbria.  Stay tuned for more coverage from these properties including the rare 100% Cabernet, Il Pareto.

Salute!

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