Fattoria Le Pupille Solalto 2019

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving.

Fattoria Le Pupille was founded in 1985, by entrepreneurial winemaker Elisabetta Geppetti. Her property surrounds Pereta, a scenic medieval village, notable for having the tallest medieval tower in Maremma, and an inch-perfect grape-growing environment.

Sangiovese is the dominant force at Fattoria Le Pupille, so the winery is best known for its red, rustic and classically Tuscan offerings. However, Elisabetta has also crafted some brews for lovers of lighter wine, both in colour and character. Solalto is an incredibly aromatic dessert wine, made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Traminer, blended in equal parts.

Syrupy notes of persimmon, lavender, Amaretto and cinnamon waft from the neck of this golden yellow bottle. The grapes were harvested late in the season, from botrytis-affected plants, but any sweetness is balanced perfectly by crisp, refreshing acidity. It is unctuous and slow in the mouth, enveloping the tongue in notes of ripe yellow fruit - pear, quince and apricot mingle with a deep minerality and hints of honey. Solalto is a treat, the finish is long and reveals subtle nutty notes. It will be an excellent pairing for hard, aged Italian cheeses, particularly if they are matched with a spoon of onion chutney.