2020 Carpineta Fontalpino, Chianti Classico, Tuscany

When you consider the history of the region, Carpineta Fontalpino could be considered as one of the new kids on the block. Currently owned by brother and sister duo, Filippo and Gioia Cresti, the Estate has been in the family since the 1960’s. Their vineyards and winery are situated just outside the village of Montaperti in the subzone of Castelnuovo Berardenga in the Sienese. The name Carpineta is taken from trees call Carpini, which are indigenous to the area and are easy to recognize by their silver-backed leaves. While the name Fontalpino comes from a water source near the winery. In saying this, Gioia and Filippo’s wines display a modern and sophisticated edge with Gioia heading up the wine making team with the responsibility for all the production phases while Filippo is mainly involved in the production and organisation of the commercial and marketing development side of the business. Why do we like it? Their production is small with around 20 hectares in total, mostly within Castelnuovo Berardenga but with a small parcel of land in the zone of Chianti Senesi. Being people of the land, their wines are organically certified, and they only use indigenous yeasts for all ferments which Gioia says is critically important to help show the distinct characters that come from their commune. These wines are more muscular with greater weight and tannins compared to the northern area. Lots of sour cherry, dry red flowers and oregano and a succulent finish!    Grape           Sangiovese Country        Italy                                             Region          Tuscany                                      Vintage         2020