Syrah 'Il Castagno' Fabrizio Dionisio 2022

The Castagno from the winery of Fabrizio Dionisio is an enveloping and intense expression of the Syrah grape in Cortona, in the province of Arezzo, where this grape has found an ideal territory suited for its growth and vinification. The Cortona area is indeed one of the few in Tuscany, if not the only one, that manages to showcase a variety of high-quality and elegant reds based on Syrah, not obtained from the prevailing Sangiovese, which is widespread from the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines to the Southern Maremma. The cause of this, it is said, is mainly due to the French Napoleonic occupations in the Tuscan territory at the end of the 18th century, which imported this grape variety originating from the Rhône Valley and which over the centuries has developed its unique potential in the Val di Chiana.

In particular, the Castagno of Dionisio is obtained from carefully selected grapes, coming from vineyards located entirely within the municipality of Cortona and characterized by a very low yield per hectare - at most 40 quintals from 5000 plants - and by galestro soils with inserts of limestone, sandstone, and quartz. The bunches are destemmed and undergo an extremely soft pressing,extremely soft, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the grapes. Alcoholic fermentation is then carried out by indigenous yeasts, and the must, after macerating with the pomace for three weeks, is transferred to French oak barrels, where it will rest for 24 months.

At the end of this aging process, Il Castagno by Fabrizio Dionisio emerges powerful, harmonious, and balanced, characterized by an impenetrable ruby red hue dense with pigmentation, crossed by bright violet flashes. On the nose, it presents a vast depth of aromas, mainly fruity notes of currants and raspberries in jam, with herbaceous details of fern and Mediterranean scrub surrounded by a dusting of white pepper, a scent that also returns in the tasting analysis along with a perception of richness and materiality. It concludes the tasting with lively freshness and a dense tannic structure, making the sip satisfying and comforting.