Saffredi 2017: Fattoria Le Pupille celebrates the 30th anniversary of the debut of the Maremma's pioneer Super Tuscan

    NEW YORK, NY, December 19, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For Elisabetta Geppetti, now assisted at the winery helm by children Clara and Ettore, the launch signifies the culmination of an adventure that has propelled the estate into the very top ranks of the world's most renowned wines. The elegantly-designed commemorative label, with thirty gilded lozenges studding a deep blue firmament, invites reference to the success of this wine, which from its very beginnings excited Italian and international wine critics.

In the emotion-tinged words of Elisabetta Geppetti, "Saffredi is the wine that most truly represents me, because it is a wine I personally wanted to make, and I wanted to make it great, so I dedicated so much effort, passion and dedication to it that it became a kind of reflection of my entire life in wine. When I launched Saffredi, in the late 1980s, Fattoria Le Pupille was just taking its very first steps. The Super Tuscans were starting to receive attention, but not here in the Maremma, which had not yet won recognition as a premium winegrowing region. So Saffredi's creation was a great challenge, but I had full confidence my instincts. And at that time, I enjoyed the support of my father-in-law and mentor Fredi and of my friend and oenologist Giacomo Tachis, while today I am proud that my children Clara and Ettore are here at my side as we celebrate this impressive achievement."

This anniversary vintage is the fruit of a particularly-dry growing season. The lack of significant rainfall, both in winter and spring, meant that Fattoria Le Pupille had to concentrate all its efforts on maintaining a balance between canopy and fruit on the vines. A mild, brief winter and a dry spring combined to bring forward the start of vine growth by some 20 days, an early pace that then held true through the entire growing season, including the hot, dry summer. Thanks, however, to the favourable aspect and site of the Saffredi vineyards, lying at an elevation of 250-280 metres and surrounded by woods, streams, and hillslopes facing the sea, those hot conditions were partially mitigated and any damage to the grapes was averted, so much so that the fruit had reached an exceptional level of quality when harvest began on 1 September for Merlot and in mid-September for Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. In the cellar, the wine underwent the now-traditional process for Saffredi, involving near-obsessive preservation and heightening of the characteristics of each individual grape variety. All are kept scrupulously separate, with fermentation in steel and 20-day macerations, after which the blend matures in oak for 18 months.

Today, Saffredi's brooding but brilliant ruby and majestic structure immediately capture the senses, as do its intense fragrances of redcurrant and wild blackberry, which find their complement in spicy impressions of clove, cinnamon, and black liquorice. Well-rounded tannins create a velvety weave, progressing through to a fruit-infused, near-endless finish. Bearing the signature elegance of consultant Luca D'Attoma, Saffredi 2017 could not possibly embody more promise than in this vintage, its 30th anniversary. It is obviously the perfect choice for looking enthusiastically towards the future and for toasting those who, like Elisabetta, recognised the quality potential of her precious corner of earth and continue to cherish it, and to interpret it with passionate commitment, vintage after vintage.

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Saffredi emerged in 1987, thanks to the far-sightedness of Elisabetta Geppetti, with the generous assistance of her father-in-law Fredi, who was the first to instil in her a passion for the world of wine, and of her friend, oenologist Giacomo Tachis, who was among the first to believe in the potential quality of a Bordeaux blend in the Tuscan Maremma. Success came immediately, and Saffredi was quickly regarded as one of the most-respected wines in the world, strengthening the reputation in Italy and abroad of Fattoria Le Pupille and of the wines produced in the Maremma. The 14-hectare Saffredi vineyard lies in the original winery property, at an elevation of 250 metres, planted in sandstone soils with a generous admixture of pebble. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot— which over time replaced Alicante and Syrah--, oriented southwest-southeast and well-distanced some 3 metres from each other, are well-ventilated. The grapes for Saffredi are grown in the so-called "old" vineyard, planted in 1995, as well in the "new" vineyard, dating to 2006. Following initial "foundational" assistance from Giacomo Tachis, Elisabetta has enjoyed the support of internationally-renowned consultants Riccardo Cotarella, Christian Le Sommer, and, since 2012, Luca D'Attoma.

Fattoria Le Pupille was established in the 1970s and quickly became the benchmark for quality winemaking in the Maremma, thanks to the determination of Elisabetta Geppetti, who had fallen in love with the area and intuited what it was capable of producing. Starting from a handful of hectares on the property, Fattoria Le Pupille today boasts 420
hectares, of which 90 are planted to vineyards. The vines lie in the Maremma's most prestigious terroirs, at elevations averaging 250 metres, distinctive parcels that Elisabetta Geppetti and her children Clara Gentili and Ettore Rizzi interpret through their wines. Their collection includes their proud sangiovese standard-bearer Poggio Valente; Morellino di Scansano, of course, in both standard and Riserva versions; the RosaMati rosé; two whites, Poggio Argentato and the latest offspring Piemme; and the all-Syrah Le Pupille, the latest jewel in their portfolio. In addition, of course, to their iconic Bordeaux blend, Saffredi, that with its 2017 vintage is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its debut.

About ETHICA WINES
Saffredi 2017 is imported in North America by Ethica Wines and it's available on the American market since November 2019.

Ethica Wines represents a selection of unique, authentic Italian wine producers, and this addition expands the offering of Ethica Wines North America to more than 32 brands. The company's mission is to extract that uniqueness, amplify it through a powerful communication and reach markets globally.

To learn more about Ethica Wines please visit www.ethicawines.com

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