Fanciulle, Villaggio, 2019
Fanciulle, Villaggio, 2019
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Sangiovese
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2034
About Fanciulle, Villaggio, 2019
Fanciulle typicity would be described as elegant and opulent whilst being fresh and invigorating, or to put it in Jem Macy's own (and incredibly accurate words), "Sangiovese for Burgundy lovers".
Jem is the founder and winemaker of Fanciulle, the gorgeous boutique estate from the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. Every wine that Fanciulle produces is either biodynamically or organically grown across her range of single (predominantly) Sangiovese sites.
At seven years old, this wine is hitting its stride beautifully, with primary fruit still vibrant but beginning to integrate with more complex secondary characteristics. The tannins have softened considerably and will continue to polish over the next 2-3 years, when the wine should reach its peak harmony. From 2029 onwards, expect the red fruit to deepen towards more savoury, earthy tones while maintaining that signature Fanciulle elegance.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceA luminous, mid-ruby red with a translucent, Burgundian-esque rim that catches the light with an almost rose-tinted edge.
NoseLifted and perfumed from the off — dried rose petals and tart wild cherry giving way to a savoury undercurrent of dried herbs, iron filings, and a whisper of forest floor. It has that slightly ethereal quality that good Sangiovese pulls off when it's not trying too hard.
PalateSilky and precise rather than plush, with finely woven tannins that feel more like grain than grip. Red cherry, pomegranate, and dried orange peel sit alongside a lovely mineral tension that keeps everything linear and alive. There's a freshness here that pushes it firmly toward the cool, elegant end of Tuscany.
FinishLong and gently savoury, with a bright acidity that lingers long after the fruit has gone.
Overall impressionThis is exactly what Jem Macy means when she says Sangiovese for Burgundy lovers — and it's a persuasive argument.
Food Pairings
In Tuscany, this style of refined Sangiovese would traditionally accompany bistecca alla Fiorentina - the region's famous T-bone steak grilled over chestnut wood coals and finished with just salt, pepper, and a drizzle of local olive oil. The wine's acidity and mineral backbone also make it perfect with wild boar ragu over pappardelle, or the classic ribollita - a hearty bread and vegetable soup that showcases how well Tuscan wines pair with humble, rustic fare. Local pecorino aged in caves would be another natural match, the cheese's nutty complexity echoing the wine's earthy undertones.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to preserve the wine's elegance and aromatic lift. A brief 30-minute decant will help the wine open up, though it's perfectly approachable straight from the bottle. Use Burgundy glasses rather than large Bordeaux bowls - the smaller bowl will concentrate the delicate aromatics and suit the wine's refined character. This is a wine that rewards gentle handling rather than aggressive aeration.
The Fanciulle vineyards sit in Tuscany's sun-drenched hills, where the combination of altitude, well-draining soils, and diurnal temperature variation allows Sangiovese to ripen slowly while retaining crucial acidity. The terroir here favours elegance over power, with mineral-rich soils that give the wines their distinctive precision and length. This particular microclimate allows Jem to achieve that rare balance of ripeness and freshness that defines her house style.
While this wine falls under the broader Tuscan designation, it represents a more restrained, terroir-driven approach than the region's famous Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino. Tuscany's regulations allow for considerable flexibility in winemaking approach, enabling producers like Fanciulle to focus on single-vineyard expression rather than conforming to traditional regional styles. This freedom has allowed a new generation of Tuscan winemakers to explore Sangiovese's more elegant, Burgundian potential.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Think elegant red cherry and wild herbs with mineral precision - it's Sangiovese with Burgundian restraint rather than typical Tuscan power.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to improve until 2029, remaining excellent until the early 2030s.
What food pairs best with this wine?
Try it with grilled meats, wild mushroom dishes, or aged hard cheeses - anything that matches its elegant, earthy character.
Should I decant this wine?
A brief 30-minute decant helps it open up, but it's perfectly enjoyable straight from the bottle - treat it gently like a good Burgundy.
How does this compare to other Tuscan wines?
This is much more refined than typical Chianti - think precision and elegance rather than rustic power, closer to Burgundy in style.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Yes, but not for decades - it will reach its peak around 2029 and drink beautifully through the early 2030s.
OUR GROWERS
Fanciulle
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