Sangiovese Organic ‘So Free’ 2021 – Poderi dal Nespoli.
Nowadays, winemakers come across with the fact that one finds it important that products are made in a sustainable manner. They cannot stay behind and try to incorporate sustainable practices. However, it is not easy to do so, a lot in effort is necessary. But Poderi dal Nespoli, dared to take the challenge and have been investing in biodynamic wines. This means that artificial chemicals are prohibited for those wines. In the case of this Romagna DOC Sangiovese it is produced without any addition of sulphites, which makes this Bidente Valley wine special and interesting to talk about.
About the Winery
This winery, located in Italy’s wine region Emilia Romagna, has a long history. Four generations, one family and a large group of people that have faith in their land and its fruits, to produce wonderful wines. But it all started in 1920, when Attilio Ravaioli decided to become a winemaker and bought its first vineyard in Nespoli Village, named Prugneto. Nowadays, the power woman Celita is making decisions and added in 2006 her own cuvée made of the Sangiovese grape, Riserva il Nespolu, to the assortment.
The Ravaioli family is specialized in the small productions of Sangiovese. However, they also invest in ‘forgotten’ grape varieties, such as Famoso and Bombino Bianco. The continuous improvements have not gone unnoticed as they received the highest award from Italian wine magazine Gambero Rosso, “Tre Bicchieri,” in 2006. The biggest dream of the Ravaioli family is to bring the great quality of Romagna to international markets. Now they sell their wines to 30 other countries, but they want to expand even further.
About the Wine
As mentioned this 100% Sangiovese wine is made without any added sulphites, which is only possible if care and attention is taken in the wine cellar. The Ravaioli family says: “a wine which is an exciting challenge for us”. It is of importance that no oxygen can get in to contact with the wine. Therefore, stainless steel tanks are used during the fermentation process.
This is also done in order to focus on the primary fruit aromas and flavors such as cherries, plums, raspberries and strawberries. No oak is used. Besides, a cooling breeze through the Bidente Valley helps to slow or even the grape ripening process. This also makes sure that the grapes keep their natural acidity. This acidity is quite present in the beginning, but starts to become refreshing and decreases when the wine is in glass for a longer period. Almost no tannins are found in this light-bodied young wine with a medium aftertaste. The wine pairs well with white meat, light sauces and fresh cheese.
Conclusion, this bight-purple coloured wine was a challenge, but the result is well-balanced. The refreshing acidities in combination with the soft tannins do not overwhelm the primary fruit aromas. We recommend drinking the wine young and enjoy this fruity and refreshing red.
This review is written by Judi Veldwijk, on behalf of Dutch Wine Apprentice. It is imported in The Netherlands by Vinites and available through associated retailers and restaurants.
Price: €14,45
Taste date: November 2022
Score: 90/100 DWA Score
Website: Poderi dal Nespoli