Fattoria Poggerino Primamateria Toscana IGT

Toscano IGT Rosso Primamateria from Fattoria Poggerino

The international one from Poggerino

Primamateria is the only wine from Poggerino that also uses a certain amount of Merlot, depending on the vintage, partly Sangiovese and partly Merlot. That is not surprising because Piero puts the main focus on the autochthonous Sangiovese grape variety. The figures speak for themselves: Sangiovese grapes are cultivated on 11 of a total of 12 hectares of vineyards, and the international Merlot grape variety grows on just one hectare. Usually the last week of September begins with the manual harvest of the Merlot grapes, followed by the Sangiovese grapes in the first week of October. The two varieties are also vinified separately from each other. After careful selection of the grapes, the stems are de-stemmed and pressed. The vinification and maceration processes take place in cement tanks for a period of 35 days. When it gets cold outside and December freezes over Radda, the wine is processed to new oak barrels with a capacity of around four hectolitres in order to age for at least 18 months. In addition, there is a minimum of 12 months bottle ripening before the Primamateria IGT is sold. Once in the glass, the Primamateria shows its beautiful ruby red colour and tickles nose and palate with aromas of red fruits, leather, vanilla, dried fruits and spices. All in all a well-structured wine, which can also stand a few more years of ageing. A small note on the side: "Prima Materia" is actually a Latin term from alchemy, which means as much as "primeval matter" - the substance from which all further matter originated. That much can be said also about this wine with the same name: this is the stuff wine dreams are made of…

A Tuscan fairy tale: with princes, princesses and enchanted gardens…

Once upon a time… long, long ago, the stately estate of Poggerino belonged to the old noble family of Prince Ginori Conti from Florence. But in the 70's came the time when the Contessa Floriana Conti inherited the vineyard from her father. Together with her "prince" Fabrizio Lanza, Floriana began in 1980 for the first time in Poggerino to conjure a Chianti Classico. In 1999, however, she handed over the vineyard to her two children, Piero and Benedetta. And then the Tuscan fairy tale became reality - and moreover a very successful one! Since the handover to the siblings, Piero, agronomist and oenologist, has taken care of everything to do with wine, vineyards and winemaking. Benedetta runs the Bed & Breakfast, which is housed in an 18th century house belonging to the estate. The two are supported in the organisation and processing of reservations and wine orders by John Spratt and Stefano Cutrupi, who helps Piero in the vineyard and looks after the gardens of Poggerino. And since the siblings have been in charge of Poggerino, both the wines and the Bed & Breakfast have been considered as fairytale insider tipp by Chianti Classico lovers and Tuscany holidaymakers. Poggerino is ruled by joie de vivre!

Whether from oak barrels or cement eggs: red wines to fall in love with!

To get to the Fattoria Poggerino just follow the provincial road 72 coming from Radda in Chianti, which winds slowly through the hills. Only a few kilometers and about a quarter of an hour later you reach the small road to the winery. What at first glance seems to be unimpressive turns out to be a true paradise for wine lovers - and especially for friends of Sangiovese. Piero clearly favours Sangiovese when it comes to the choice of grape varieties. Sangiovese grows on 11 of 12 hectares of vineyards, Merlot on only one hectare. And the consequence is that the assortment is very Sangiovese heavy. Of course first is the Chianti Classico and the Chianti Classico Riserva with the name Bugialla to mention - both 100 per cent Sangiovese. The second Chianti Classico in the range - the (N)Uovo - is certainly a highlight. This wine does not mature in barrels, but in an oversized egg made of cement with a capacity of 650 litres. And then there is the Il Labirinto Toscana Rosso, the friendly house wine. (N)Uovo and Labirinto by the way are also "solo Sangiovese". The only Poggerino wine for which Merlot grapes are used is Primamateria - the super tuscan in the range. The range also includes Rosato Aurora, a 100% Sangiovese sparkling wine and an extra virgin olive oil. And everything is indeed organic. That is Piero’s big concern.