A powerful wine from the famous Montalcino region. James Suckling said Fiero Super Tuscan is the “new wine to watch out for” (94/100 – an outstanding result)

This Super Tuscan wine is a classic blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Sangiovese. It is produced by Ridolfi, a small, organic-certified winery in the famous Montalcino area. Their speciality is Brunello di Montalcino, and this wine was a new experimental venture that became a real success. It received a remarkable score of 94/100 from James Suckling, who said this is a “new wine to watch out for”.

Winemaking

The grapes are planted in Galestro soils, and are harvested by hand in late September. To retain the authentic character, the wine is fermented using natural yeast. The grapes are not crushed but softly pressed, because Ridolfi wants the skins to be fully integrated. After a three-week alcoholic fermentation, the wine rests on its skins for three more weeks for further maceration to extract richer colour and more tannins.

The Merlot in the blend is aged in small French oak barriques, while the Sangiovese – which is more fine and delicate – is aged in big Slavonian oak barrels. Ridolfi is very careful and never overpowers the delicate taste of the grape with oak.  This wine has high natural acidity, and can age for 10-15 years.

Tasting notes

Deep ruby colour. Powerful and very complex aromas of redcurrant, blueberry, red plum and red cherry underpinned with cedar, prune, fig, chocolate and wet leaves. Dry on the palate, with delicate tannins, well-balanced acidity and a medium body. A remarkably pronounced flavour intensity with flavours of red plum, red cherry, cedar, fig, prune and chocolate. A long enveloping finish.

“Blueberry, cherry and floral nose. Palate is fresh and juicy with lots of fresh cherry and cassis character, plus a hint of violets.” – Decanter

Awards

Decanter Wold Wide Awards 2020 – Bronze Medal (2017 vintage), Silver Medal (2016 vintage) | James Suckling – 91 points (2017 vintage), 94 points (2016 vintage) | The WineHunter 2020 – Rosso (2017 vintage)