Fattoria Le Pupille Maremma Toscana Saffredi 1997
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the best run estates of Tuscany, proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti, along with winemaker/oenologist Riccardo Cotarella, has turned out a juicy, impressively concentrated, hedonistic wine. The 1997 Saffredi is made from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, with a touch of Alicante, it was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. It boasts an exquisite toasty, smoky, cassis, floral, and licorice-scented nose that is reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of Chateaux Mouton-Rothschild and Margaux. With fabulous richness, multiple dimensions, and outstanding symmetry, purity, and length, it is a compelling example of what can be achieved from tiny yields (2.2 tons of fruit per acre) as well as impeccable wine-making. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.
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Wine Spectator
Dark ruby, with a purple center. Loads of ripe fruit on the nose, with raisin, blackberry and spices. Full-bodied, with lots of berry, rosemary and tarragon character. Long and chewy. Lots of fruit and mint character. Needs time.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009. 1,250 cases made.
The operating nucleus of the property, from early 2000, is in proximity of Istia d'Ombrone, nearby Grosseto. The property is an antique farmhouse and its silhouette is present in some of the most recognizable wine labels of Le Pupille, the whole winery is surrounded by a 12 hectares vineyard, including a small patch destined to an experimentation of old Sangiovese grapes, coming from ancient vine rows. At first it is difficult to imagine that this large, quiet house is the beating heart of an agricultural activity, it rather seems like a noble residency surrounded by a large english style lawn and a myriad of flowers. Then the smell of must reveals the presence of a winery hidden by ivy, and once one enters the well-finished environment, the offices and tasting room appear like a succession of drawing rooms that the house owner has made to be warm and welcoming.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.