14 Jun Foglia Tonda, an intruder in the land of Sangiovese
( Original article in French)
When talking about Tuscany, one thinks of the pine-clad hills, the cypress-lined alleys, the medieval villages. The Bacchic evocation is not long in coming. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano, all in prestigious DOCG, mostly based on the Sangiovese grape variety. And yet, for a good fifteen years of new grape varieties appear.
Who says new …
Apart from the international grape varieties that have made the success of the Super Toscan (Sassicaia, Ornellaia and company …), other grape varieties reappear. As in the south-east of the region, where the Domain Droandi bottles the Foglia Tonda . The first testimony of the existence of the grape goes back to 1877. Giuseppe dei Conti Di Rovasenda quotes it in his essay ” Saggio per una ampelografia universale “. This botanist, as important as Viala or Galet in France, would have noticed it at the Castello di Broglio, within the vineyard of Baron Ricasoli. La Foglia Tonda, disappeared or almost with the phylloxera, reappeared only twenty years ago without really knowing how ( fa parte dei misteri italiani) …
The grape variety
Vigorous, it is a little later than the Sangiovese. With well-controlled yields, it offers low pH, good acidity and high polyphenol content. However, it is susceptible to gray rot and powdery mildew. Its leaf is of medium size and little cut, its conical cluster presents grains blue black, tight and ovoid shape. Its wine is dark, aromatic, floral and fruity, with a high tannin content and therefore requires aging and aging.
Wine
Foglia Tonda 2014 Toscana IGT Mannucci Droandi
Blood ruby, the wine bursts the fragrance of the strawberries in full nose, after the fruity explosion, the discrete viole appears, followed by pine needles and a hint of cinnamon. The tannins somewhat strike the mouth is that it has a rustic turn the Foglia! Very quickly, its solid forms, its great freshness and the soft texture of its pastes of prunes and dry figs moderates the tannic inclinations.
Mannucci Droandi
A family history that dates back 18 th and mixes good tradition and looks towards the future. The estate is divided into two vineyards. The first is called Ceppeto , 6 ha perched at 350 m above sea level on the hill of Starda Castle, in the Gaiole district, east of the Chianti Mountains , northeast of Siena. Oriented to the south, it offers its slopes to the Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo and other traditional varieties destined for a further development. The second, the Campolucci is located a few kilometers which are enough to change province of subregion, Colli Aretini. Still on the eastern face of the Chianti Mountains, at a lower altitude of one hundred meters, turned towards the south and near the town of Montevarchi, province of Arezzo. Cabernet and Syrah are added to the list of grape varieties already mentioned. This is where the Foglia Tonda grows .
The experimental cell …
It is always curious or amusing to talk about experimental vineyards and to cultivate, in fact, ancient grape varieties, almost forgotten by all. The Domaine Mannucci Droandi cooperates on two levels with the Experimental Institute for Viticulture of the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies of the Arezzo section.
The first research on methods of combating cryptogamic and parasitic diseases. Action aimed at minimizing the use of chemicals for eco-compatible viticulture.
The second replant of old grape varieties in the process of extinction, once widespread in the region. Of the hundreds of varieties studied, the estate has selected some of them, including the Foglia Tonda.
Link to the article:
httpss://les5duvin.wordpress.com/2016/10/07/foglia-tonda-une-intruse-au-pays-du-sangiovese/