Podere Il Castellaccio Valénte 2022

Podere Il Castellaccio Valénte 2022, a memory of Tuscan grape varieties

In the Valénte 2022, I see a Tuscany committed to preserving nearly vanished grape varieties. This organic red brings together Foglia Tonda, Pugnitello and Sangiovese, three local varieties whose story continues in the vineyards of Podere Il Castellaccio.

Bolgheri, vines on schist soils

The estate is located in Castagneto Carducci, in the province of Livorno, in the heart of the part of Tuscany associated with Bolgheri. Its history dates back to 1960. Alessandro Scappini, the current owner and representative of the latest family generation, chose to revive the vines planted by his grandfather. Today he looks after fifteen hectares combining vineyards, olive groves and forests. The project is not only about maintaining the existing plots: it also includes new plantings to restore the presence of these local grape varieties.

The Valénte is born at 160 meters above sea level, on schist soils and under a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and long summers. The north-south oriented rows enjoy generous exposure. Foglia Tonda, Pugnitello and Sangiovese ripen at their own pace: each variety is harvested and vinified separately. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, then the wine macerates for two weeks in contact with the skins and lees. After aging in wood, notably in foudres for twelve months, it continues to evolve in bottle. It is marketed as IGP Toscana.

The color, aromas and palate sensations of the 2022 vintage are not specified in the available information; I therefore prefer not to attribute imaginary tasting notes to it. What can be said is that it is a red aged in wood, produced separately from three grape varieties, with indigenous fermentation and documented maceration. This approach highlights the work in the vineyard and the commitment to preserving rare varieties, rather than a tasting profile that the sources do not describe.

At the table, in the Tuscan spirit

I would choose it to accompany a meal around the table, with simple and generous cooking: mushroom pastas, roasted vegetables or grilled meat can offer good pairings to explore with this red. Serve it at a dinner where you take the time to talk about the wine as much as to taste it. The Valénte 2022 above all invites you to take an interest in these discreet Tuscan grape varieties and in the work of transmission that keeps them alive.