- Red Still
- 75CL
- 13.5%
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Sangiovese
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Jem Macy is the founder and winemaker of Fanciulle, the gorgeous boutique estate from the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany.
Every wine that Fanciulle produces is either biodynamically or organically grown across her range of single (predominantly) Sangiovese sites. Fanciulle typicity would be described as elegant and opulent whilst being fresh and invigorating, or to put it in Jem's own (and incredibly accurate words), "Sangiovese for Burgundy lovers".
The 2020 vintage is entering its optimal drinking window now, with primary fruit flavours beginning to integrate with secondary earth and herb characteristics. Over the next 3-5 years, expect the wine's tannins to soften further whilst developing more complex savoury notes of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs. The wine should hold its elegance and freshness until the mid-2030s, though it may begin losing some vibrancy beyond 2035. Peak drinking likely falls between 2027-2032 when fruit and tertiary complexity achieve perfect balance.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with garnet highlights suggesting early development.
NoseLifted aromatics of red cherry and wild strawberry emerge first, followed by dried herbs and Mediterranean scrubland. Subtle floral perfume develops with air, alongside earthy undertones of forest floor and dried leaves.
PalateMedium-bodied with bright acidity driving flavours of sour cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate across the palate. Fine-grained tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, whilst mineral undertones add complexity. The wine maintains elegance throughout, with herbal nuances and a touch of spice emerging on the mid-palate.
FinishLong and persistent with lingering red fruit, herbs, and a subtle savoury edge.
Overall impressionA refined expression of Sangiovese that prioritises elegance and drinkability over power.
Food Pairings
In Tuscany, Sangiovese traditionally accompanies the region's rustic cuisine built around grilled meats, game, and aged cheeses. Locals pair it with bistecca alla fiorentina, the massive T-bone steaks grilled over olive wood, where the wine's acidity cuts through the meat's richness. Wild boar stewed with tomatoes and herbs, ribollita vegetable soup enriched with day-old bread, and aged Pecorino Toscano represent classic regional matches. The wine also complements panzanella bread salad during summer months, where its brightness echoes the dish's tomato and herb elements.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the wine's aromatics to fully express whilst maintaining structural integrity. Decanting for 30-45 minutes will help integrate any youthful tannins and allow the wine's elegant complexity to emerge. Use Burgundy-style glasses with a generous bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics whilst providing sufficient surface area for proper aeration.
Fanciulle's vineyards occupy sun-drenched hillsides in Tuscany, benefiting from the region's classic combination of warm days and cool nights that preserve acidity in Sangiovese. The estate works across multiple single vineyard sites, each contributing distinct characteristics to their portfolio. The Mediterranean climate, moderated by altitude and diurnal temperature variation, allows for extended ripening periods that develop complexity whilst maintaining the bright, invigorating character that defines the estate's style.
Toscano IGT represents the broadest classification within Tuscany's wine hierarchy, offering winemakers complete freedom in grape selection and winemaking techniques. This flexibility has made it the preferred designation for many innovative producers who wish to work outside the constraints of traditional DOC regulations. Unlike the prescriptive rules governing Chianti or Brunello, Toscano IGT allows producers like Fanciulle to focus purely on expressing terroir and varietal character without regulatory limitations on yields, ageing, or blending.
The 2020 growing season in Tuscany began promisingly with a mild winter and early budbreak, but spring brought significant rainfall that tested growers' skills in the vineyard. The wet conditions increased disease pressure, particularly for mildew, requiring careful canopy management throughout the crucial flowering period. Summer delivered the saving grace with abundant sunshine and well-timed dry spells, allowing the vines to recover and concentrate their energies. Harvest began earlier than usual across most zones, with producers working swiftly to capture optimal ripeness before any autumnal rains arrived.
Despite the challenging spring, 2020 has produced wines of genuine quality across Tuscany's diverse terroirs. Sangiovese responded well to the summer conditions, developing excellent colour and structured tannins whilst retaining good acidity. The Bordeaux varieties in coastal areas like Bolgheri particularly excelled, benefiting from the maritime influence during the hot summer months. This is a vintage that rewards the meticulous producer - those who managed the spring difficulties have crafted wines with both power and elegance. Most 2020 Tuscans are drinking beautifully now but have the structure to develop gracefully over the next decade.
FAQs
What makes this different from traditional Chianti?
As a Toscano IGT, this wine operates outside DOC restrictions, allowing Jem Macy complete freedom in winemaking decisions. The style emphasises elegance and finesse over the earthier, more rustic character often associated with traditional Chianti, creating what she calls 'Sangiovese for Burgundy lovers'.
Is this wine ready to drink now?
Yes, the 2020 is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop until 2035. The wine shows excellent balance between fruit and structure, making it approachable immediately whilst rewarding short-term cellaring.
How does the biodynamic approach affect the wine?
Fanciulle's biodynamic methods focus on vineyard health and natural balance, typically resulting in wines with greater aromactic complexity and more precise terroir expression. The approach emphasises minimal intervention, allowing the Sangiovese to express its natural character.
What food would you recommend?
This wine excels with grilled lamb, wild mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses. Its bright acidity and elegant tannins make it particularly suitable for herb-crusted meats or tomato-based pasta dishes where it won't overwhelm delicate flavours.
How should I store this wine?
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C with consistent temperature. The wine will develop beautifully over the next decade, but avoid temperature fluctuations which can accelerate ageing and diminish the wine's characteristic elegance.
What other wines from Fanciulle should I try?
Fanciulle focuses exclusively on Sangiovese expressions from different single vineyard sites throughout Tuscany. Each wine showcases distinct terroir characteristics whilst maintaining the house style of elegance and freshness that defines Jem Macy's approach to winemaking.
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