Situated in southern Maremma by the Tyrrhenian Sea in Tuscany, Fattoria Le Pupille spreads over 420 hectares, consisting of 75 hectares of vineyards, 20 hectares of olives as well as areas of cork oaks, cereal plantations and pastures.
As you enter the winery through the pristine gardens (meticulously cared for by Mohamed) surrounding its impressive cellars, you sense a feeling of tranquillity. Although this is a commercial winery, with offices, fermenting rooms, barrel storage rooms, bottling areas, tasting room…yet as the grapes are brought in from the harvest, all is calm while every aspect of the wine making process takes place in perfect sequence as a well rehearsed dance routine; this is the result of sleek management of the highest level.
The person singularly responsible for this efficacious management is Elisabetta Geppetti, who with a strong hand and clear vision has led the estate to major acclaim when she chose the management of the vineyards and the winery at Fattoria Le Pupille in her early twenties as her lifelong profession.
The winery’s first official label was Morellino Riserva 1978, released in 1982.
Elisabetta Geppetti became Fattoria Le Pupille’s Director in 1985 and in 1987 their flagship wine Saffredi Maremma Toscana IGT was released. In 1996 the Poggio Valente vineyard near Scansano was purchased incrementing the original estate significantly.
Acclaimed enologists and winemakers Giacomo Tachis, Riccardo Cotarella and Luca D’Attoma have each collaborated with Elisabetta Geppetti to make this estate a beacon of excellence.
Fattoria Le Pupille produces up to 10 labels:
Morellino di Scansano DOCG
Morellino di Scansano Riserva DOCG
Poggio Valente
Pelofino Toscana Rosso IGT
Rosa Mati Toscana Rosato IGT
Poggio Argentato Bianco
Sol.Alto a botrytized blend of Gewürztraminer,Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion
Saffredi Toscana IGT
There are also two grappas: Grappa 4 Anni and Grappa di Poggio Valente
A new wine made from Syrah grapes from 2015 vintage using amphora and botti will be released soon.
Tasting notes
I was honoured that my tasting was presented by Clara Gentili, The Lady of Morellino’s first born daughter and partner in the winery.
Fattoria Le Pupille Rosa Mati Toscana Rosato 2017
Aromatic bouquet, red berries, white peach. Notes of apple mint. Fresh and smooth. 100% Syrah.
Points 90 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato 2017
Bright straw yellow in colour. Medium to full body. Fresh Spring flower bouquet. Orchard fruits. Undertones of sea pebble. Blended white mainly from Sauvignon Blanc with Traminer, Petit Manseng and Semillion.
Points 91 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Pelofino Toscana Rosso IGT 2017
Ruby red in colour. Red soft fruits, balsamic notes. Fresh and rounded. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabinet Sauvignon and Merlot in equal proportions.
Points 90 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano 2017
Bright ruby red in colour. Medium bodied. Rich fresh red berry and cherry, notes of star anise and clove. Expressive and juicy. Sangiovese 85%, Malvasia Nera 10%, Alicante 5%.
Points 92 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2015
Bright ruby red in colour. Full bodied. Aromatic bouquet, dried rose, Amarena cherry, spice. Elegant. Smooth tannins well integrated with acidity.
Points 94 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Valente 2015
Deep ruby red in colour. Full bodied. Fresh red cherry, leather, black tea, balsamic notes. Savoury. Builds and expands. Great texture. Impressive! 100% Sangiovese.
Points 95+ TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2015
This is so complex from the start. Full bodied. Dried black fruits, mediterranean herbs. Tannins are micron fine and the acidity is fresh. Silky. So refined yet potent. Will evolve and give so much. Long finish. Glorious!
Points 98 TW
Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2016
Softer in approach than the 2015 but still has that Wow factor. Approachable now but will close down. Full bodied. Fruit quality “off the charts”. Liquorice. Mediterranean herbs. Mineral undertones. Compact. Needs 4 to 5 years. So polished!
Points 97+ TW