Fattoria Cerraia Toscanan Verdiana 2020
Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese
HL/vines per hectare: 50hl/4.000
Fermentation and ageing: 70 hl stainless steel tanks, 9 month in French oak barrique barrels followed by 6 months in stainless steel tanks.
Date of bottling: July 2022
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total acidity: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.4
The Winery
Fattoria Cerraia is an upcoming biodynamic boutique winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico area in Tuscany, close to the village of Castellina in Chianti in the province of Siena. Castellina is together with Radda and Gaiole one of three historic villages of Chianti with several thousand years wine production history that goes back to Etruscan times. We obtained European organic certification from 2022 after years of organic practices in our vineyard, then demeter certification in 2025.
The Vineyard
Verdiana is a pure Sangiovese coming from our magical high altitude vineyard that lies just under the village of Castellina in Chianti at 550 meters altitude. The vineyard has a rich "Gales tro" (Limestone) and "Arenaria" (Sandstone) profile with miscellaneous texture. It has a south-east exposure that guarantees sun in the morning without the hot afternoon sun producing healthy grapes and elegant wines.
The Vintage
The 2020 vintage can be described as a classic year with abundant spring rains and a warm but never extreme summer. Early April's cold nights affected vine budding, leading to an estimated 10% drop in production compared to 2019. The reduction underscores the challenges faced, yet the vintage promises exceptional quality. However, more than for the climate, we will remember this vintage for the beginning of the pandemic. While the world stopped at Cerraia, we had the privilege of being able to continue to work outside in the vineyards with even more passion and dedication to details. We harvested the grapes for Verdiana in the last days of September.
The Vinification
After a careful first selection in the vineyard we did a second selection of the single berries on the selection table after destemming the single bunches. The fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks with temperature control lasted 14 days. The wine was aged afterwards 9 month in French oak barrels and a few month in stainless steel tanks. Verdiana is an ancient Latin name that represents a young woman who lives in harmony with nature. Just as our young and fresh Sangiovese that is crafted in respect for nature and the terroir of Chianti Classico.
Profile
Pale red color, elegant cherry aromas with hints of Mediterranean herbs and floral notes on the nose. Medium bodied with soft and light tannins on the palate and with an elegant fresh finish. Excellently suited to Tuscan appetizers and Charcuterie as well as to all variations of pasta. Best served at approx. 18° C (61° F).