2017 Fattoria le Pupille Saffredi

2017 Fattoria le Pupille Saffredi is the iconic flagship wine of this acclaimed Tuscan estate, a powerful and elegant red from the coastal hills of southern Tuscany. Sourced from a tiny 5-hectare vineyard at 250 meters above sea level, it’s a concentrated, ageworthy blend crafted in the spirit of great Bordeaux, yet unmistakably Maremma in character. The 2017 vintage earned an outstanding 97/100 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, underlining its status as one of Italy’s leading modern classics.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Saffredi shows a deep, opaque ruby core with violet highlights, suggesting both intensity and youth. The nose opens with rich, ripe black fruits—blackberry, blackcurrant and dark plum—layered with notes of wild herbs, vanilla, sweet spice, and finely integrated oak, followed by hints of cedar, cocoa and a touch of balsamic. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, structured red with impressive concentration and polish. Dense flavors of black fruit jam, black cherry and ripe plum intertwine with cinnamon, vanilla pod, tobacco leaf, roasted coffee and a whisper of smoke. Firm yet ripe tannins and vibrant acidity give the wine superb balance and drive, leading to a long, persistent finish with a spicy, slightly smoky echo. While already expressive, the 2017 Saffredi has significant aging potential; it can be enjoyed now with proper aeration but will continue to develop complexity over 10–15+ years in a good cellar.

Production
The grapes for Saffredi come from a meticulously farmed, low-yielding 5-hectare vineyard set at around 250 meters above sea level in the Maremma area of southern Tuscany, benefiting from a mix of well-drained soils, Mediterranean sun and cooling coastal breezes. The blend is based on Bordeaux varieties—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Petit Verdot—harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to ensure both concentration and freshness. After careful selection in the cellar, the wine undergoes fermentation and maceration designed to extract color, aroma and structure without harshness, before maturing for 18 months in French oak barriques, 75% of which are new. This significant new oak regime, combined with low yields and precise vinification, gives Saffredi its hallmark depth, fine-grained tannins and layered complexity.

Food & Serving
The 2017 Saffredi is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised beef short ribs, roasted lamb, game (venison, wild boar), truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano. For the best experience, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting is highly recommended: give the wine at least 1–2 hours in a decanter in its youth to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatic complexity to fully emerge.

Producer
Fattoria le Pupille is one of the benchmark estates of the Maremma in southern Tuscany, spearheading the region’s rise from rustic backwater to world-class wine destination. Founded and driven to prominence by Elisabetta Geppetti, the estate has become synonymous with refined yet powerful Tuscan reds that marry local character with an international outlook. Saffredi, first produced in the late 1980s, was conceived as a tribute to Elisabetta’s mentor Fredi and quickly gained cult status as one of Italy’s greatest Supertuscans. Over the decades, Fattoria le Pupille has received numerous top scores and international accolades, cementing its role as a leading voice in modern Tuscan winemaking and a reference point for the Maremma terroir.

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