Sagrantino di Montefalco 'Fracanton' Fongoli 2016

The Sagrantino "Fracanton" by Fongoli is a red wine endowed with great complexity and richness, capable of combining fruit and matter with a refreshing liveliness. A true jewel, this Sagrantino is produced in its favored area, that of Montefalco, by a winery that for four generations has aimed to produce consistent liquids, capable of expressing a clear connection to its territory. The Fongoli family, which today owns about 23 hectares of vineyards, adopts a very respectful approach in the vineyard, adhering to the principles of organic farming but integrated with biodynamic practices. Tradition and experimentation go hand in hand, with the use of large wood for aging but also amphorae for fermentation. Structure and impressiveness, for a masterpiece that stands as a reference point in its category.

The red "Fracanton" is obtained from pure Sagrantino grapes, coming from vines over 40 years old trained in the palmetto system, a local planting method. The grapes are harvested in late harvest, in order to concentrate extracts and sugars and to have perfectly ripe grapes. After manual harvesting, with meticulous selection of the bunches, they are taken to the winery where destemming and fermentation take place in open terracotta amphorae, with a maceration lasting 3 months. The liquid undergoes no filtration nor additions of sulfur, and ages for 36 months in French oak barrels of 5 hectoliters.

The wine "Fracanton" slowly fills the glass with its intense almost impenetrable ruby color. Nose of extraordinary breadth and definition, where incessant references to sour cherry and spirit-soaked plum, cocoa, licorice, leather, and earth follow in a swirling dance. A dive into a three-dimensional liquid, which "fires" its cartridges gradually. A noteworthy luscious aspect calls for tasting, which proves to be an authentic masterpiece in how the generous material is integrated with a velvety tannin and a providential contribution of freshness and savoriness. Endlessly long, it seems to never finish after swallowing. It pairs best with dishes of great complexity, such as aged cheeses or meats in sauce, but also on its own as a meditation wine. Introspective