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Fongoli
Winery
The Fongoli estate is located in the heart of the Umbrian wine country, amid the rolling hills of Montefalco, the home of the Montefalco Sagrantino D.O.C.G. and Montefalco Rosso D.O.C. The Fongoli family has dedicated over 80 years to winemaking in Montefalco, beginning with the purchase and renovation of the San Marco estate in 1927 by Decio Fongoli Calvani. Since then, grape cultivation and winemaking have become a passion, passed down through three generations to the vineyard’s current owners, the brother/sister team of Angelo and Simona Fongoli. The idyllic Fongoli estate comprises 40 hectares of land with olive groves, oak trees and 26 hectares of vineyards. At the center of the property, the family home, a traditional Umbrian farmhouse, stands adjacent to a newly renovated cellar filled with large Slovenian-oak barrels. Next to the barrels, vistors can taste the family’s wine and see historic winemaking equipment and bottles of the earliest Fongoli vintages. Between this farmhouse/cellar and the vineyards, stands the modern fermentation and bottling facility where the family produces their wine every year.
The Fongoli Montefalco Sagrantino D.O.C.G., Montefalco Rosso Riserva D.O.C. and Montefalco Rosso D.O.C. are all estate-produced and -bottled in accordance with the traditional winemaking methods of Montefalco that Decio Fongoli Calvani employed almost a century ago. The wines are all hand harvested and aged in large Slovenian oak barrels ranging in size from 5 to 40HL and age from 5 to 40 years. Sagrantino, a rare varietal grown only in this area, is one of Italy’s most intriguing yet lesser-known noble varietals, and this traditional-style version is sure to offer a special experience. All the Fongoli reds are perfectly suited to hearty pasta dishes, red meat, wild game, stews, and aged cheeses. Fongoli wines are produced with respect and attention to environmental sustainability. The family also produces their own extra virgin olive oil and operates a 4-bedroom agriturismo-style bed and breakfast.
Click on the link below to check out wine writer Phil Kampe’s visit to Fongoli.
“Phil Kampe and Fongoli”
Visit the winery at www.fongoli.com
Wines
Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 D.O.C.G.
100% Sagrantino harvested by hand in late October, this traditional-style red is aged 30 months in large Slovenian-oak barrels followed by 6 months in the barrel. Its deep, opaque, garnet hue gives way to an intense yet elegant bouquet featuring ripe red fruits and exotic spice. Typical of classic Sagrantino, this wine features distinct, chewy, yet well-balanced tannins. It is full-bodied, powerful and may be the most unique of Italy’s noble grape varieties. It should be decanted before drinking.
“The 2006 Montefalco Sagrantino is, without question, impressive. The aromas and flavors are beautifully articulated, and the wine shows terrific poise and balance. This is undoubtedly a very elegant Sagrantino, even if there is not as much varietal typicity or expressiveness as I had hoped. Clean, mineral notes frame the long, refreshing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016”
92 points, Wine Advocate, 6/30/2010
This rich red needs time to reveal its layers of briary black and red fruit. Licorice and wild herb notes are tightly wrapped in a cloak of ripe tannins. Best from 2013 through 2020. 224 cases imported.–BS
90 points, Wine Spectator, July, 2011
shelf talker / fact sheet / label
Montefalco Sagrantino 2007 D.O.C.G.
Fongoli’s 2007 Montefalco Sagrantino (from barrel) is a deep, sensual wine loaded with dark red fruit. Today it comes across as open, rich and seamless although I would not be surprised if it closes down after bottling. This is a highly promising effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
89-91 points, Wine Advocate, June 2011
label / fact sheet
Montefalco Rosso 2009 D.O.C.
This classic Umbrian table wine is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and small amounts of Montepulciano and Merlot, harvested by hand in mid-October. After 10 days on the skins in cold-soak maceration, the wine is aged 18 months in large Slovenian oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle. With a deep ruby color, the wine’s intense flavor features hints of oak, spice, cherry and blackberry.
Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2007 D.O.C.
The 2007 Montefalco Rosso Riserva opens with a ripe, sweet bouquet that leads to expressive red fruit, hard candy, flowers and spices. This is a relatively juicy, forward Riserva that appears best suited to near and mid-term drinking. The Riserva is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Sagrantino. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
91 points, Wine Advocate, June 2011
label / tech sheet