Fonterenza, Alberello 1,5 L 2020

Fonterenza Alberello 2020 in magnum is a beautifully lifted expression of Sangiovese from the hills of Montalcino, showing the grape’s trademark tension between elegance and power. Crafted by the Fonterenza sisters, this bottling shines a light on their vineyard-first philosophy, taking its name from the traditional single-stake “alberello” training system used for some of their vines. Compared with their Rosso and Brunello, Alberello is lighter, more ethereal, and all about purity of fruit and finesse.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Alberello 2020 shows a bright, transparent ruby hue with a delicate, almost shimmering rim – a visual cue to its finesse and energy. The nose opens with vivid red fruits – sour cherry, wild strawberry, red currant – supported by notes of dried rose petals, blood orange zest, and a gentle Tuscan herbal character. Subtle spice tones of white pepper, clove, and a touch of earthy underbrush add depth without weighing the wine down. On the palate, this is a linear, finely etched Sangiovese: medium-bodied, with a graceful, aerial texture and precise, refreshing acidity. The red fruit core is juicy yet taut, framed by refined, powdery tannins that offer structure without austerity. Savory hints of tea leaf, crushed stone, and spice linger on a long, mouthwatering finish. While already approachable and charming in its youth, the 2020 Alberello in magnum format offers added aging potential, likely evolving beautifully over 8–12 years as the fruit, floral, and savory notes knit together.

Production
Alberello is sourced from Fonterenza’s vineyards in the Montalcino area of Tuscany, where Sangiovese thrives on a mix of rocky, well-drained soils and the region’s classic alternation of warm days and cooler nights. The name pays tribute to the “alberello” (bush-vine) training system used for some of the estate’s parcels, which naturally limits yields and focuses the vine’s energy into concentrated, expressive fruit. Farming is carried out with a strong respect for the land, favoring organic, low-intervention practices in the vineyard. At harvest, grapes are picked by hand at optimal ripeness, sorted carefully, and fermented using traditional methods designed to emphasize clarity of fruit and terroir rather than heavy extraction. Aging is typically conducted in neutral vessels that respect Sangiovese’s aromatic delicacy, resulting in a wine that is both precise and transparent to its origin.

Food & Serving
Alberello 2020 is a versatile food wine, ideally suited to classic Tuscan fare and dishes that echo its balance of delicacy and savor. Think pappardelle with rabbit ragù, grilled pork chops with rosemary, roasted chicken with fennel, or simple plates of cured meats and aged pecorino. Its bright acidity also makes it a lovely partner for tomato-based pasta, mushroom risotto, or grilled vegetables drizzled with good olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F) to showcase its aromatic nuance. A light decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up, especially in magnum, allowing the floral and spicy notes to fully unfold.

Producer
Fonterenza is the project of sisters Francesca and Margherita Padovani, who established their estate in the Montalcino area with a clear vision: to craft authentic, terroir-driven Sangiovese that reflects the character of their land. Working on a relatively small scale, they have earned a loyal following among wine lovers who seek purity, precision, and a more artisanal expression of Montalcino. Their focus has always been on meticulous vineyard work and respectful, minimally interventionist winemaking, positioning Fonterenza as one of the noteworthy small producers contributing to the region’s reputation for elegant, ageworthy wines. Wines like Alberello underscore their commitment to farming and highlight a more delicate, refined side of Sangiovese that complements, rather than imitates, the region’s more traditional Rosso and Brunello styles.

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