Tenuta Fanti Rosso 2022

~ Proprietor Elisa Fanti ~

Values are important.  And these days, frankly, they are getting harder and harder to find.  So when you do, don’t hesitate to go all in.

The Fanti family own about 15 hectares of vineyards in the registered DOC for Rosso di Montalcino. If you retain nothing else from this article, it should be that last sentence.  Why?   Because as I explained here, you want to seek out Rossos that are made specifically with fruit for them. Not only sub-standard fruit that wasn’t good enough for Brunello.

This is what Fanti does, and it shows.

~ Fanti’s vineyards lie across the road from the famed Sant’Antimo Abbey ~

Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino is crafted from several vineyards surrounding the winery.  The vineyards lie in different geographic areas near Castelnuovo dell’Abate.  However, they are all within 3 kilometers of the winery.  Soil types vary.  The vineyards that provide the fruit for Rosso di Montalcino contain tufo, galestro and albarese.

The average age of the vineyards is now 20 years which is impressive for a Rosso and the elevation ranges from 150 to 400 meters above sea level.  Winemaking takes place in stainless steel and then the Rosso is transferred to both barrique and large 30 hectoliter barrels.

~ Elisa Fanti in the Barrel Aging Caves ~

“It’s a starting point, not a destination.”….. Elisa Fanti

This was Elisa’s sentiment regarding the family’s conversion to certified organic viticulture.  The conversion was an arduous one under Italian law and took almost a decade to complete. But for Elisa and her father Filippo, it was worth it.  “We needed to safeguard the territory and maintain the natural balance in the vineyards while also improving the quality of our products and respecting the consumers health.”

The Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino 2022 is nothing short of superb.  In the glass, the wine is a deep ruby that trends to garnet.  Upon pouring, the wine is incredibly expressive on the nose.  Pure aromas of crushed berry, toasted spices, leather and savory herbs are absolutely wonderful.  I’ll backtrack for a moment….

During the Rustic Tuscany Tour last year, we enjoyed this wine with the pasta course during lunch at the estate.  I was impressed then.  I turned to my partner and said, how good is this Rosso?  He looked at me and just smiled.  I’d have purchased it and shipped it then and there – but I knew I’d find it easily at home.

On the palate, this wine is simply amazing.   Gorgeous wild cherry flavors sit center stage and they are fresh and lively.  Juicy and mouthwatering, this medium plus bodied wine is accented with flavors of toasted nuts, sweet tobacco and sweet herbs. Ripe, but well integrated tannins are powdery; speaking to the minerality in the soil.  I will confidently say this is as good as many Brunello.  95 points.   No, that’s not a typo!

In the US, this wine will be at or just under $20.  You can also find it here for $13 using my Coupon Code “FODERA“.  Find this wine at Enoteca di Piazza.

~ The Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino is worthy of a case purchase. It’s among the best Rosso I’ve ever had ~

Tenuta Fanti is on a major roll.  This Rosso is amazing. Their Estate Brunello is always delicious and also a good value and their Vallocchio Cru is extremely special.  Keep this property firmly on your radar.

Salute!