Fattoira Nicolucci "Tre Rocche" Romagna Sangiovese Superiore '20

Last week I wrote a newsletter highlighting the exceptional Sangiovese Romagna Riserva called “Vigna del Generale.” The producer, Fattoria Nicolucci, is one of the historic names of Romagna, and a master with working with Sangiovese. While the Riserva reds are not in your “everyday” price category, I wanted to further highlight the producer by showcasing this exceptional value from their range of wines.

Alessandro Nicolucci is the fourth-generation winemaker at the family-run farm, located specifically in Predappio Alta. The family has been estate bottling since 1885, although the history of wine in this area dates back to around 1000 B.C. The history is on full display in the old historic cellar, at the base of the local castle.

Sangiovese is the main red grape produced in Predappio Alta, well suited to its calcareous clay soil, strewn with pebbles. The hillside vineyards, with their drainage and exposure yield rich but low-yielding grapes. Romagna Sangiovese is always noted for its power and structure, and that is on full display in the Nicolucci wines.

“Tre Rocche” is the second wine in the range after the value “I Mandorli.” Here you get a better selection of Sangiovese, from older vines, that is fermented with natural yeast, aged for a short period in large old wooden casks, and then further bottle aged.

Beautiful aromas of wild cherry, mineral, and a touch of menthol. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, with soft tannins, a continuation of red fruit, and well-framed acidity.

This wine calls out for food. A classic Italian-American dish such as lasagna is a perfect match. It is an incredible Sangiovese value!