Fornacelle and Bolgheri more and more franc

by Andrea Gori

21/01/2021

Bolgheri is finally entering the second phase of development within the region. After the glories and the celebrations for the twenty-five years (a trifle for the world of wine), they have increased initiatives to deepen the soil and the incredibly special microclimate that have made this strip of the Tuscan coast a paradise for lovers of Bordeaux wines in Italy but, above all, which has been able to develop an original and personal taste.

In this way, Silvia Menicagli and Stefano Billi continue their work in Fornacelle which was first established as a farm at the end of the nineteenth century, when there were large amounts of ancient furnaces in the area. 15 hectares of land, family-run for four generations, the turning point began in 1998 with Stefano Billi who began, using modern ideas, replanting and following a detailed survey of the vineyard soils together with the more rational management of an olive grove of about 1000 plants and other fruit and vegetable crops.

We find the majority in the valley, at 50 metres above sea level and the vineyard covers 8 hectares of the total land divided between Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Fiano cultivated on generally medium-textured soils which include shells, stones, sand and gravel. It may seem that they produce a lot of wines but it is actually the combination of very thorough work, truly “Bordeaux” in detail and nuances in terms of how it has been set up. In short, Cabernet Franc came out here through natural processes and not a follow-up to the great fashion of the many 100% Francs that have been emerging in Tuscany in recent years. We talked about this and much more in the online meeting on FB that aired last December and that you can watch again together whilst tasting their wines.

Fornacelle Zizzolo Bolgheri DOC 2018 The entry wine and most representative of the DOC is well cared for and rich in nuances: red and black currant, savoury, distinct and intensely fruity and floral, showing a particular greenish acidity on the finish that becomes dark and peppery, blueberry and plum jam. A trace of lavender and incense that satisfies and intrigues, drifting out on the finish but the entrance and nose are crunchy and vivid. 88

Fornacelle Guardaboschi Bolgheri DOC Superiore 2016 A full, rich, dark and decisive wine in full Bolgheri flamboyant style, references of black cherries, blueberries, cassis and black currant, sour cherries, myrtle laurel and lots of sunny and energetic Mediterranean scrub. Tasting wood and vanilla are still very present. The structure is important, in the mouth it is precise, rhythmic, juicy and dense and still has substance which unravels over time. Ready, rich and decisive tannin with long-term satisfaction 92

Fornacelle Foglia38 Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2016 Cabernet franc 100%

Red and black currant, mustard, tapenade, Mediterranean scrub, roasted peppers, black pepper, liquorice and slightly bitter tones in the finish, reveals a dense and distinct tannic texture that enhances the pulp and the very rich sour cherry that emerges at every juncture. Long and fleshy finish, balsamic and peppery returns that are very clear and stimulating to drink. 93