Italy is the world’s second largest wine producing country falling behind France. Italian wine is governed by DOC and DOCG laws. Much like France’s AOC laws, they control what grape types can be planted in each region. Some of Italy’s more famous wines are the Barolo in the Piedmont region, often referred to as the king of wine, and its queen, Barbaresco. Perhaps the most famous of all the regions is Tuscany, not only for its beauty, but the amazing Chianti and Brunello’s that are produced in this region. Both are made from the Sangiovese grape. In the Veneto region you will find Italian wines created from the Corvina grape, made in the ancient Amarone style.
COLOR: Deep ruby red
NOSE: Intense bouquet with hints of ripe fruit
TASTE: Full, balanced taste
Reviews:
On the savory side, this red opens with freshly mowed grass, hay and eucalyptus aromas before revealing cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors. Fleshy, with a matrix of dense tannins flexing their muscles on the finish. Shows excellent potential. Best from 2023 through 2042.
-Wine Spectator 96 Points
Floral and red fruit nose. Supple attack, very polished and concentrated, with fine-grained tannins and ample acidity. This has a linear drive, precision. and a very long finish. The rewards will be substantial for the patient consumer.
-Decanter 97 Points
Fortezza Falanghina del Sannio Taburno is made from 100% Aglianico.
Grapes are from the Campania region. Aglianico is an amazing varietal than brings big body and big structure.
Ruby red color with aroma of wild berries, really soft at the palate, with pleasant notes of black cherry jam.
Pairs well with seafood, mozzarella cheese, risotto, white meats.
Review:
"The nose is primarily smoky, peppery and fiery, but a decadent drizzle of dark berries and dark chocolate creates balance. That enchanting blend of smoke, pepper and rich, sweet notes continues onto the unexpectedly comforting palate. — Danielle Callegari"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2023, Best of Year issue), 92 pts
Fortezza Falanghina del Sannio Taburno is made from 100% Falanghina - 25 years old
No oak.
Straw yellow color with greenish reflections. Fresh and floral scents, citrus aromas, apple, pear and mineral notes. Round, smooth and juicy with high acidity, yet well balanced with rich flavors.
Southeastern exposure with an altitude of 300-450 meters above sea level.
Planting density: 3,500 vines per hectare on average.
Training system: espalier with Guyot pruning.
Manual harvest in small crates between the end of September and beginning of October.
Winemaking in white in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.
Pairs well with seafood, mozzarella cheese, risotto, white meats.
Fortezza Fiano DOC Sannio is made from 100% Fiano - 20 years old
No oak.
Straw yellow color with light green reflections. A rich bouquet of white flowers with mineral notes, freshnesss and elegance, good acidity and good body.
Southeastern exposure with an altitude of 250-350 meters above sea level.
Planting density: 3,500 vines per hectare on average.
Training system: espalier with Guyot pruning.
Manual harvest in small crates end of September.
Winemaking in white in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.
Pairs well with seafood, grilled tuna, white meats.
Review:
" Clean and fruity with aromas of chopped apples, sliced pears and white peaches. Medium-bodied with a juicy, simple and refreshing palate. Drink now.”
- James Suckling (August 2022), 90 pts
Fortezza Greco DOC Sannio is made from 100% Greco - 20 years old
No Oak
A gold color; complex aromas of ripe fruits, candied fruit, honey. Soft and well-structured.
Southeastern exposure with an altitude of 250-350 meters above sea level.
Planting density: 3,500 vines per hectare on average.
Training system: espalier with Guyot pruning.
Manual harvest in small crates end of September.
Winemaking in white in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.
Pairs well with fresh cheese, pasta with vegetables, vegetable soups.
Review:
Fresh violets, lilac, wild plums, allspice and wild herbal aromas pour from the glass. The focused palate shows tart cherry preserves, warmed cloves, roasted coffee and dark chocolate that finishes with a crushed chalk minerality. Fine tannins are present but in balance, working with fresh acidity to keep this wine in harmony. Drink now–2045.
-Wine Enthusiast 97 Points
The grapes for this wine come from loamy, well-drained soils on our estate vineyard. Dijon and Wente clones are fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak. This is an elegant chardonnay with a focused mid-palate and the refreshing cool climate acidity characteristic of Sea Smoke Vineyard.
Tasting Notes An elegant Chardonnay with aromas of lemon curd, star fruit, fresh cut peach and wet stone. Complemented by satsuma mandarins and a touch of hazelnut in the focused mid-palate and the refreshing cool climate acidity of our estate vineyard. Winemaking Our estate-grown Chardonnay fruit was picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard before spending the night in our cold room. Chilled grapes were softly pressed and the juice was gently pumped into a stainless steel tank and cold settled. Once the heavy solids were removed, the juice was racked to a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for primary fermentation. Following primary fermentation, the wine was racked to barrels, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, then periodically stirred to enhance depth and mouthfeel. The 2023 Sea Smoke Chardonnay was aged for a total of 10 months prior to bottling with no fining and no filtration.