Tenuta Saiano, Vigne Albarello 2022

Tenuta Saiano Vigne Albarello 2022 is a characterful Sangiovese that captures the wild, savory side of Emilia-Romagna. Sourced from a neighboring plot planted in traditional single-stake “albarello” bush vines, it offers a darker, smokier expression than the estate’s own higher-altitude fruit. This is a food-loving red with real tension and structure, showing how Sangiovese can thrive outside the more familiar Tuscan hills.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Vigne Albarello 2022 shows a deep ruby core with vibrant garnet reflections at the rim. The nose opens with dark, smoky cherries and ripe raspberries, followed by hints of black tea, dried herbs, cracked pepper, and a subtle earthy, almost ferrous note that speaks to its origin. On the palate, the wine is energetic and focused, with juicy red and black cherry fruit wrapped around a firm but refined tannic backbone. Raspberry and sour cherry tones lift the mid-palate, while gentle smokiness, savory spice, and a faint touch of balsamic complexity linger on the finish. Acidity is fresh and mouthwatering, making it highly drinkable and very versatile at the table. Enjoy it now for its vibrant fruit and structure, or cellar for 3–6 years to gain more savory, tertiary nuances and soften the tannins further.

Production
The grapes for Vigne Albarello 2022 come from a neighboring vineyard at slightly lower elevation than Tenuta Saiano’s estate parcels in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, not far from the Adriatic coast. Here, the combination of calcareous-clay soils and good exposure gives Sangiovese both ripeness and tension. The vines are trained in the traditional “albarello” (bush vine) system, which naturally limits yields and promotes concentration. Harvest is carried out by hand, with careful selection of the healthiest bunches. In the cellar, the philosophy is to intervene as little as possible: gentle fermentation, often with indigenous yeasts, at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic clarity, followed by maturation in neutral vessels (such as large old wood or cement) to let the grape and site shine rather than oak. The result is a pure, expressive Sangiovese with a distinctive dark-fruited, smoky edge.

Food & Serving
This is a quintessential food wine, tailor-made for rustic, flavorful dishes. Pair Vigne Albarello 2022 with classic Italian fare such as ragù alla bolognese, lasagne, grilled sausages, porchetta, or roasted lamb with herbs. It also works beautifully with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mushroom-based dishes like porcini risotto or wild mushroom tagliatelle. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) to highlight both the fruit and the savory notes. A short decant of 30–45 minutes will help the tannins relax and allow the smoky cherry and raspberry aromas to fully open.

Producer
Tenuta Saiano is a small, quality-focused estate nestled in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, an area better known for its food than its wines—but increasingly recognized for characterful, artisanal bottlings. Founded with a commitment to sustainability and low-intervention farming, the estate tends its vineyards and mixed farm in a holistic way, often working organically or biodynamically, and prioritizing biodiversity. While Tenuta Saiano is rooted in local traditions and native varieties, it is also quietly innovative, exploring specific parcels and vineyard expressions like this first project with grapes purchased from a neighboring grower. The estate has earned a loyal following among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts for its honest, terroir-driven wines that speak clearly of their hillside origins and the gastronomic culture of Emilia-Romagna.

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