- 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 2019 Villaggio is drinking beautifully now, with primary fruit and floral character in perfect balance with emerging earthy complexity. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the bright red fruit to integrate further with savoury notes, developing leather and tobacco nuances whilst maintaining its characteristic freshness. The wine should reach peak maturity around 2028-2030, when fruit and earth achieve perfect harmony. Beyond 2034, the delicate fruit may begin to fade, though the wine's natural acidity should preserve elegance for several additional years.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceMedium ruby with bright clarity and a slight garnet rim suggesting early development.
NoseFresh red cherry and wild strawberry emerge first, followed by violet and dried herbs. Subtle earthy undertones develop with air, revealing clay and dried tobacco leaf. The aromatic profile maintains lift and precision throughout.
PalateBright red fruit dominates the entry, supported by well-integrated acidity that provides structure without sharpness. Mid-palate depth reveals savoury complexity with leather, dried herbs, and mineral notes. The tannins are fine-grained and supportive, allowing the fruit to shine whilst providing gentle grip.
FinishLong and elegant with lingering cherry fruit, herb-tinged earth, and a subtle mineral echo.
Overall impressionA refined expression of Sangiovese that delivers immediate pleasure whilst hinting at greater complexity to come.
Food Pairings
Tuscans pair elegant Sangiovese like this with ribollita, the hearty bread and vegetable soup that exemplifies the region's rustic sophistication. Wild boar ragu over pappardelle provides the perfect marriage of earthy meat and bright acidity, whilst grilled bistecca alla Fiorentina showcases how Sangiovese's natural acidity cuts through rich, charred beef. Pecorino Toscano, aged to firm texture, complements the wine's savoury complexity. Local chefs often serve dishes featuring porcini mushrooms and fresh herbs, which echo the wine's earthy undertones whilst highlighting its fresh, invigorating character.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase both fruit purity and structural complexity. Decant for 30-45 minutes to allow the wine to open and integrate, though it's approachable immediately upon opening. Use Burgundy-style bowls rather than large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the delicate aromatics. This wine benefits from gentle handling and should be stored on its side in a cool, stable environment.
The Villaggio vineyard benefits from Tuscany's classic combination of galestro and alberese soils, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for gradual ripening. The hillside exposure ensures optimal sun exposure during the day with cooling breezes that preserve acidity in the grapes. This terroir naturally produces Sangiovese with the bright fruit character and mineral backbone that allows Macy to craft wines with Burgundian elegance. The biodynamic farming practices enhance soil life and vine health, contributing to the wine's distinctive freshness and complexity.
Tuscan Sangiovese from boutique estates like Fanciulle represents a modern interpretation of the region's greatest grape variety, focusing on elegance over power. Unlike the strict regulations of Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino, these wines often carry the more flexible IGT classification, allowing winemakers greater freedom in vineyard selection and winemaking techniques. This approach has produced some of Tuscany's most exciting wines, emphasising terroir expression and finesse whilst maintaining Sangiovese's characteristic bright acidity and savoury complexity. The best examples rival Burgundy for sophistication whilst remaining distinctly Tuscan in character.
The 2019 growing season in Toscana delivered ideal conditions that reminded many producers why they fell in love with winemaking. A warm, dry summer with well-timed rainfall in late August provided the perfect balance of concentration and freshness. The harvest began earlier than usual, with producers picking healthy, ripe fruit under clear skies. While some coastal areas experienced brief heat spikes in July, the overall season allowed for extended hang time without the stress that can plague more challenging years.
This vintage produced wines of exceptional quality across Toscana, with Sangiovese showing particular elegance and depth. The combination of warm days and cool nights preserved the bright acidity that gives these wines their backbone, while the extended ripening period developed complex flavours and refined tannins. Chianti Classico and Brunello producers speak of 2019 with genuine enthusiasm, noting the natural balance achieved in the vineyards. While the Super Tuscans are drinking beautifully now, the finest Brunellos will reward patience, reaching their peak between 2028 and 2035.
FAQs
What makes Fanciulle different from other Tuscan Sangiovese?
Jem Macy's approach emphasises elegance and freshness over power, creating what she calls "Sangiovese for Burgundy lovers". The biodynamic viticulture and single-vineyard focus produce wines with distinctive purity and precision.
How does the Villaggio vineyard influence this wine's character?
The Villaggio site provides ideal drainage through galestro and alberese soils whilst maintaining enough moisture for gradual ripening. Hillside exposure ensures optimal sun with cooling breezes that preserve the bright acidity essential to Fanciulle's style.
When is the best time to drink this wine?
The 2019 is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop until 2034. It's most appealing in its current fresh, fruit-forward phase, though cellaring will reward with greater complexity and integration.
What food pairings work best with this style of Sangiovese?
The wine's bright acidity and elegant structure make it perfect for herb-crusted meats, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses. Think grilled lamb with rosemary or wild mushroom risotto rather than heavy, sauce-laden dishes.
How should I store this wine for optimal development?
Store on its side in a cool, stable environment around 12-15°C with minimal light exposure. The wine's delicate character benefits from gentle handling and consistent conditions.
Is this wine suitable for investors or primarily for drinking?
This is primarily a drinking wine designed for near-term enjoyment rather than long-term investment. Its boutique production and drinking window make it ideal for personal cellars focused on immediate to medium-term pleasure.
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