Santa Goccia Toscana IGT 2021

Tasting note by Christoph Raffelt from 01.06.2022, Copyright Christoph Raffelt

The Santa Goccia is a cuvée of 70 % Sangiovese, 20 % Canaiolo and 10 % Trebbiano. The wine thus corresponds to the historical assemblage of a Chiantiwhich, however, is no longer permitted today, which is why this wine is known as a Tuscany Rosso company. The harvest was done by hand at the end of September to the beginning of October. Destemming was followed by fermentation with autochthonous yeasts, maceration between 25 and 30 days on the skins in steel tanks of 15 and 20 hl without the use of sulphur and without pumping over during the fermentation period. The marc was only stirred in by hand. Maturation took place in steel tanks for five months on the fine lees. Afterwards, the wine was discreetly sulphured, bottled and aged in the winery for at least another eight months. The grapes come from 40-year-old vineyards in Barberino Val d'Elsa at around 250 metres above sea level with alluvial and skeletal soils, sand, clay and Tuff.

Bright cherry red with light reflections

Pure sour cherry on the nose. The 2021 Santa Goccia embodies Mediterranean flair with lightness and elegance. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, but above all, redcurrants give it numerous fresh accents. Rosemary and thyme provide a regionally typical but above all refreshing component. From the balsamic corner comes some ground colourful pepper. Hints of undergrowth and tree bark can be detected. A wonderfully appealing nose.

On the palate, it combines all these impressions and much more. A medium-porous but very true tannin structure gives it an elegant and at the same time rustic character. Its lightness and gripping acid structure are quite conducive to this. The acidity has an animating effect and is like biting into fresh, crunchy fruit. The dark fruit bundles itself into a thin, strong stream. Its spicy and Mediterranean nuances come to the fore in the finish.