Tuscany is the land of great wine denominations (DOC, DOCG) boasting
vintage wine varieties such as Nobile di Montepulciano to Chianti Classico, all the way to the renowned Brunello di Montalcino. This region prides itself on some of the most appreciated and traditional wines in the world, but this doesn’t mean that they shy away from new blends, products of the lesser known zones of the region. This is certainly the case when it comes to
Carpineto winery, founded by Giovanni Carlo Sacchet and Antonio Mario Zaccheo. Their
five wine estates located among Monetpulciano, Chianciano, Greve in Chianti, Montalcino and Gavorrano produce some of the most prestigious Super Tuscan wines in the world.
When talking about wines and wine estates with an appreciated history, it’s only right to mention Farnito. Named after a Tuscan English oak tree called
“farnia”, Farnito wine was produced for the first time in 1987 thanks to the research and studies which were carried out on international vineyards producing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The
Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon comes from grapes grown in Gaville, a village in Greve in Chianti which is also home to Carpineto olive trees for
extra virgin olive oil. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are also grown in Chianciano and Montepulciano. The vinification of the grape pulp and grape skins (for red wines) takes place in separate containers, with time frames ranging from 10 to 15 days. The fermentation in tanks process begins, giving wine its structure, pronounced fullness, allowing its flavors to ripen such as those of deep red fruits, licorice, vanilla and spice.
Wines are then aged in small, oak barrels where they remain from Spring until the following January. After this process, the wines are transferred into bottles, where they remain for no less than 8 months before being sold. The phase of bottle-aging allows the wines to develop stability, roundness and a balance of flavors after having been aged in wood. The barrel aging has a unique oxygenation process which gives marked notes perfect for the olfactory sense. The bottle aging then reduces the “gleaning” in order to create a savory, balanced wine with no characteristics which lean only in one direction such as a pronounced woody taste or flashy tannins or a high alcohol content etc.
Farnito wine is one which is suitable for important occasions and makes an ideal pairing for roasted meats, game or flavorful soups. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are quite full bodied and fragrant, and at its full potential provides a wine which when stored properly can age for up to 20 to 30 years after bottling. This is truly an important wine for an important event.