About this WINE
La Màgia
The Schwarz family have owned La Màgia since the mid-1970s. Originally from Alto Adige, they were among the first Brunello producers to estate-bottle their wines. This organic estate is farmed by second-generation Fabian; born in Montalcino, he succeeded his father in 2005. He has since redefined the estate’s direction, continuing to realise the potential of this hallowed site.
The farm sits high above the Abbey of Sant’Animo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and faces south-east towards Mount Amiata. The exposure to the cold mountain winds, morning sun exposition and altitude of 400-450 metres provide a cooler microclimate, adding to the freshness, tension and energy in the wines – even in a warm vintage like ’17.
Rosso di Montalcino
Rosso di Montalcino is a large Tuscan DOC, to the far south of the Chianti Classico region, which has been classified since 1983.
The wines are fruity, soft, light and forward-maturing. They come from Sangiovesse vines outside the finer Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, harvested at up to 62 hl/ha, or from declassified Brunello fruit (often from young vines) in which case the yield must be the same as Brunello wines, at 55 hl/ha.
Sangiovese
A black grape widely grown in Central Italy and the main component of Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano as well as being the sole permitted grape for the famed Brunello di Montalcino.
It is a high yielding, late ripening grape that performs best on well-drained calcareous soils on south-facing hillsides. For years it was blighted by poor clonal selection and massive overcropping - however since the 1980s the quality of Sangiovese-based wines has rocketed upwards and they are now some of the most sought after in the world.
It produces wines with pronounced tannins and acidity, though not always with great depth of colour, and its character can vary from farmyard/leather nuances through to essence of red cherries and plums. In the 1960s the advent of Super Tuscans saw bottlings of 100% Sangiovese wines, as well as the introduction of Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon blends, the most famous being Tignanello.
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Description
Fabian Schwarz, second-generation owner-winemaker at Fattoria La Màgia in Montalcino is an ardent practitioner of organic viticulture. “For me, it's very important,” says Fabian. “For example, if you have a spider which is eating the leaves, use other insects which eat the spider. It gives balance in the ecosystem and means less problems in the future.” Fabian’s wines are elegant, terroir-driven and individual.
Fabian Schwarz farms his estate organically. His 2019 Rosso di Montalcino comes from Sangiovese grapes grown in the same area as those for his Brunello. But these vines are younger; the fermentation is cooler; and the wine sees only nine months of maturation. This youthful red had personality in abundance, typified by lively red-berry fruit, fresh acidity and soft, smooth tannins. Elegant and terroir-driven, this is ready to be enjoyed immediately. It’s a particularly good match for game dishes. Drink now to 2029.
Katie Merry, Wine Buying Assistant, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Aug 2021)
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