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Sportoletti
“It’s nice to see Sportoletti back in the US market. These new releases are all highly recommended. Even better, they won’t break the bank.” – Wine Advocate, 6/2010
Winery
“Sportoletti is one of Umbria’s leading properties. Consulting oenologist Riccardo Cotarella oversees winemaking, but these delicious wines stand out for the qualities of the raw materials as much as they do for what goes on in the cellar.” – The Wine Advocate, April 2009
For generations, the Sportoletti family has always also been passionately dedicated to producing wine in Umbria. At the end of the 1970s, brothers Ernesto and Remo decided to turn their attention exclusively to winemaking. With great reverence for the teachings of their father Vittorio, they began to bottle wines under their own label. From that point on, they began a long journey in pursuit of the perfect balance between innovation and tradition, endeavoring to unleash the full potential of their territory, situated on the hills between Spello and Assisi where they now own 20 hectares of vineyards from which they produce an average of 200,000 bottles per year.
In 1998, the company decided to join forces with the highly esteemed agronomic and oenological consultant Riccardo Cotarella, thus marking the start of a highly successful professional collaboration as well as a valued friendship. They regularly replant their vines and cultivate them using the spur pruning system and high density planting. With 5,000 vines per hectare, they are able to control the number of buds and consequently the productivity of the vines. For the reserve wines, a first harvest of the grapes is carried out while the grapes are just beginning to ripen, in order to obtain an average yield of 1 Kg of grapes per plant. Vines currently cultivated include the indigenous Grechetto, for which they chose the G5 clone, a lower yielding yet more characteristic strain. The Merlot they grow is a particular massale clone that was selected and propagated from an old vine that had been on the property for fifty years and which, over the years, has given rise to one of their most successful wines. Specific clones of Sangiovese that provide a lower yield but are much richer in color were also chosen, the same holding true for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Visit the winery at www.sportoletti.com
Wines
Assisi Rosso 2009
The Assisi Rosso is a delightful, full-bodied red made from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet, grown at about 400 meters above sea level to where grapes will develop bright fruit flavors accompanied by heightened aromatic qualities. The wine is macerated for about 10-15 days, then aged in used wood barrels for a few months for optimum smoothness.
The estate’s Assisi Rosso is often one of Italy’s top values, as it is again in 2009. Layers of dark red fruit, sweet herbs, licorice and new leather come together in this juicy, textured wine. A juicy, enticing red, the Assisi Rosso should continue to drink well for a handful of years. The blend is 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.
89 points, Wine Advocate, June 2011
label / tech sheet / shelf talker
Assisi Grechetto 2010
Umbria, although often associated with full-bodied red wines, also has a knack for fantastic whites, and the case can be made that Grechetto is the finest of their indigenous white varietals. From grapes grown in mineral-rich soils are harvested at 300 meters above sea level, where cool nights and warm sunny days ensure balance and freshness. This crisp white with its deep golden hue is left to macerate on its skins for 6 hours for maximum concentration, featuring notes of honey, pear, and white blossoms.
The 2010 Assisi Grechetto is a crisp, refreshing wine ideal for summertime drinking. White peaches, pears and flowers linger on the mid-weight, clean finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013.
87 points, Wine Advocate, June 2011
label / tech sheet / shelf talker
Villa Fidelia Rosso 2007
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Franc made from six hectares of vineyards at 400 m above sea level, this is one of the estate’s flagship wines. From average 18-year-old vines grown in sandy, shallow soil with remnants of sandstone, this rich and powerful red is macerated for 15-18 with regular pumpover, then aged for 12 months in French-oak barriques.
The estate’s flagship 2007 Villa Fidelia is a serious wine bursting with mocha, roasted coffee beans, French oak, leather, licorice, spices that add considerable complexity to the dark, inky fruit. This super-rich, concentrated red is showing beautifully today, but ideally it needs another few years in bottle. Villa Fidelia is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 12 months in 100% new French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
93 points, Wine Advocate, June 2011
This is very Bordeaux-like, with chocolate, sweet tobacco and minerals. Full and balanced, with fine tannins and a long finish. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Better in 2013.
90 Points, James Suckling Tasting Report, December, 2011
label / tech sheet / tech sheet
Villa Fidelia Bianco 2009
This is very New World, with apple pie, cream and milky character. Full and fruity, with bright acidity. Flavorful finish. Tastes like a serious Chardonnay. And good value. Drink now. Made from Grechetto and Chardonnay.
90 Points, JamesSuckling.com, Dec. 9, 2011
Villa Fidelia Bianco 2010
Elegant notes of toasted hazelnuts, butter and vanilla, with faint aromas of pink grapefruit, tropical fruit and herbs. The taste expresses good density and aromatic persistence, with a rich and even balsamic finish.
label / tech sheet